The First Sunday of Advent

On our way to Mass on Sundays, we always talk about the readings for the day.


"You, LORD, are our father,
our redeemer you are named forever.
Why do you let us wander,
O LORD, from your ways,
and harden our hearts
so that we fear you not?"

~~ Isaiah 63:16-17




This morning I pointed out to the girls that the Old Testament passage we'd hear is so typical of us annoying humans -- blaming God for our wandering.

It wasn't part of today's reading, but in chapter 65 of Isaiah, the Lord has a pretty good comeback. He raises an eyebrow at our presumption and like any good parent, points out a few facts:

I was ready to respond to those who did not ask,
to be found by those who did not seek me.
I said: Here I am! Here I am!
To a nation that did not invoke my name.  

I have stretched out my hands all day
to a rebellious people,
Who walk in a way that is not good,
following their own designs;  

A people who provoke me
continually to my face ...  

... Crying out, “Hold back,
do not come near me, lest I render you holy!”

That is admirable, cutting and extraordinarily effective sarcasm. He's not only the Lord of the universe but master of a tongue lashing.

He's good enough to make me hang my head, and, scuffing my shoe around on the floor (even as I vainly cling to the hope He's really talking to my brothers and sisters and not to me) whisper:

"Daddy, I'm sorry. Please do come near. Please do make me holy."