Today’s Readings – Tuesday of Week 2 of Advent - First Reading

Commentary on Isaiah 40:1-11

Today we begin a series of readings from what is known as ‘The Book of Consolation’. It consists of chapters 40 to 55 of Isaiah, and its unknown author is referred to as ‘Second Isaiah’. He is writing much later at the end of the Jews’ exile in Babylon, and speaks with confidence of their returning to Jerusalem. The name ‘Consolation’ comes from the first words of today’s reading:

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.


Comfort ("console” in some translations) is the prevailing theme of this section compared to the more threatening prophecies of the first 40 chapters.

The opening part is actually a cantata for several voices. The time of suffering in exile is coming to an end:

...she has served her term...


The retu … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Commentary on Genesis 3:9-15,20; Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12; Luke 1:26-38

The Immaculate Conception means that Mary from the first moment of her existence was totally free from the influence of that universal sinfulness which touches us all from the time we are born. The re … Continue