Vol. 14, No. 4, November, 2009

That We Might Have Hope
by Sr. Brigid Meierotto, S.N.C.

In this teaching, we will accept the word of God, the Scriptures into our hearts and minds, letting them be light to us. The Scriptures are the inspired word of God which has the power to accomplish what it says, for us. Yes, for us, right here. right now!

The Scripture we are reflecting upon is Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12. Read these passages slowly, prayerfully.

As you read the Scripture, in your heart ask the Holy Spirit to explain to you the message that the Lord has for you personally. Do not doubt that the Lord Jesus will do this for you, because that is why he came, so that you can get to know and to love Jesus. "These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:25f). Ask the Holy Spirit what you expect from him...something like this: "O Holy Spirit, Jesus said that you would teach me all things and I believe him. Teach me what I must do so that I can have hope! Teach me that the Lord will be faithful to his promises, forever! Teach me that the Word of God is a living word that has the power to accomplish what it says. Teach me to love Jesus with my whole heart, filled with gratitude, giving him praise and adoration with every breath! Thank you, O Holy Spirit."

Paul tells us in Romans, chapter 15, that whatever was written in former days was writ-ten for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope! To emphasize the importance of this truth, Paul prays a prayer for the faith and trust of all of us who are reading and accepting this message into our hearts (verses 5, 6):

"May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Isaiah gives a prophecy in Isaiah, chapter 11 that is rich in encouragement and strong in steadfastness for our living a life of hope!

"There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord."

Here the Lord promises that a savior will come from the line of Jesse -- he will be filled with the Holy Spirit -- not judging by what he sees or deciding by what he hears but judging with righteousness and faithfulness.

With his coming, natural enemies will be reconciled: a wolf and a lamb will live together, a bear and cow eat together. A different world!

Who is this Savior who is to come? Jesus! In chapter 3 of Matthew's Gospel, John the Baptist is preaching in the wilderness of Judea. "Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand! For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, when he said,

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."

Then people from Jerusalem, from Judea and all the Jordan region came to John and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Also came many of the Pharisees and Sadducees -- and John said to them, "You brood of vipers...bear fruit that fits repentance and do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father..."

"I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."

The mercy of God comes to us in Jesus. The Lord has kept his promise. Jesus is come to give us life,

"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10)."

Closing prayer: Thank you, Spirit of love, for teaching me what I must do so that I can have hope! Thank you for teaching me that the Lord will be faithful to his promises, that I can put my trust in the Lord! Thank you for teaching me that the Word of God is a living word that has the power to accomplish what it says. Continue to teach me to love Jesus with my whole heart, filled with gratitude, giving him praise and adoration with every breath! Thank you, O Holy Spirit." Now the prayer to Mary: "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus! Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen!"