Year C: First Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Jeremiah 33: 14-16

Jeremiah has something of a reputation for being a prophet of doom. We may even refer to others who seem constantly to be miserable or pessimistic as a “real Jeremiah”.

Today’s First Reading shows that we may not always have the whole truth about Jeremiah for it is a reading of promise that all shall be well.

At the time this was written, the nation of Israel was in chaos. The great kingdom of David had now been split into the Houses of Israel and Judah and the forces of Babylon were over-running the north kingdom. People were being exiled to Babylon, great estates were being confiscated and the people were beginning to feel that God had finally forsaken His people.

Jeremiah speaks to the divided kingdoms and reminds them of God’s promise to both. The God who raised David and made him a great king will raise up a new king from his line. The “tree” that is the House of David may have been cut down but from its roots a new shoot will appear. This new shoot will grow strong and in his day integrity and truth shall flourish. In his day, Israel and Judah will be reunited as one great nation under God.

This promise, we believe, was fulfilled by the coming of Jesus into the world: the Son of God born of David’s line. He established a new Kingdom - but not as Jeremiah had prophesied: this Kingdom was not to be of the earth but of heaven. This Kingdom did not unify only Israel and Judah but was to spread throughout the whole world.

What does it mean for me?

Take time this week to pray for our divided world and for the coming of the Kingdom in which people find peace - unity - security.

         Text © 2006 Wellspring

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