12/9/2011 – Homily for Friday of the Second week Advent – Isaiah 48:17-19

        In the very short passage we hear from Isaiah today, the Lord tells us through the prophet that he is teaching us what is best for us, that he is directing us in the ways we should go.  However, in a modern American society that often values individualism and freedom of expression beyond anything else, many of us don’t want anyone directing us and putting up parameters in what we can do in our lives.  Some don’t even want to listen to God. 

         Isaiah is a prophet we often here from in Advent, as his message helps prepare us for the coming of Jesus in our lives as Christmastime.  The Lord tells us that if we follow his laws and commandments in our lives, then peace will flow in us like a river.  This upcoming Monday, we will have the opportunity to go to the sacrament of reconciliation in our lives, to recapture that peace, to bring healing and reconciliation to those relationships we have in our lives, to our relationships with God and with our brothers and sisters.  The sacrament of reconciliation is an important part of our Advent journey, something that our Catholic faith calls us to do. 

         May the voice of God that is calling out to us this Advent season reach our ears and reach our hearts.  May we be open to the healing presence of the Lord that is trying to bring peace and fulfillment to our lives.