Today’s Readings – Second Sunday of Advent (C)

Commentary on Baruch 5:1-9; Philippians 1:3-6,8; Luke 3:1-6



THERE ARE MANY STRANGE NAMES in today’s Gospel. They are the names of people and places most of us have never heard of. Why does Luke mention these people and places? First of all, because he is simply following the custom of his day both for Jewish and Greek writing.

But, more importantly, he is saying that the story of John the Baptist and of Jesus is really historical. This story really happened in this world at a particular time and a particular place. It is not a mere myth in the sense of a story which has meaning but no basis in fact.

Luke is preparing us for the announcement of God coming among us as a human being. He is preparing the stage for this great drama. And so he gives:

- the exa … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Saturday of week 1 of Advent - First Reading

Commentary on Isa 30:19-21, 23-26

The promises of the First Reading are shown being fulfilled in the person of Jesus in the Gospel. The first part of the reading consists of words of consolation for the people of Zion, who are God’s people. They shall weep no more … Continue