Simeon and Anna Praise the infant Jesus, Arent de Gelder, c. 1700, Mauritshuls (The Haugue)

Fr. Smith’s Commentary on the First Reading
Solemnity of the Holy Family
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
December 27, 2020

The theme of barrenness is prominent throughout both testaments. We see it for the with Sarah in today’s reading. However, in Genesis alone, there is Rebecka and Rachael. We need also remember Samson’s mother and Hannah in Judges and 1 Samuel. In the New Testament, there is most famously Elizabeth and in Christian legend, Anne the mother of Mary. We can look at this sentimentally as a feeling of loss but in the ancient Mid-East, especially in the Old Testament, this was a serious problem on many levels.

First spiritually, people did not believe in an afterlife and eternity would be through one’s children and further progeny. In today’s reading the LORD tells Abram that he is his “Shield” and that his reward will be very great. Abram’s response might seem to us ungrateful or even rude “O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless (Ge 15:2.) Indeed, he continues: “See, you have given me no offspring, and so one of my servants will be my heir.” (Ge 15:3)

Continue reading “Solemnity of the Holy Family – Trusting and Laughing with the Lord” →

The Annunciation, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, c. 1660, Hermitage

Fr. Smith’s Commentary on the First Reading
Fourth Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16
December 20, 2020

Today’s reading from Samuel seems very pious. No doubt David is sincere in his desire to show respect, but the LORD is aware that there is another motive as well. This section is quite subtle and has much to teach us

Let us remember the situation, after Moses, about 1350 BC, the Hebrews were a loose coalition of tribes with similar religious beliefs and a shared dietary code. They desired to be as independent as possible but often needed to unite to fight a common enemy. At this time, they would determine a leader – a war chief – who world organize an army and lead it until they won or lost. This leader was called a judge. This system was like the confederations around them.

Continue reading “4th Sunday of Advent – The Gift of Ourselves to Him” →

John the Baptist, Alexandre Cabanel, 1849, Musée Fabre (France – Montpellier)

Fr. Smith’s Commentary on the 1st Reading
Second Second of Advent
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
December 6, 2020

Today, we read the opening of what has come to be known as “Second Isaiah,” the writings of the second person to use the name Isaiah: Yahweh is salvation. The first as we have seen many times was an 8^th century BC prophet, “Isaiah of Jerusalem”. Despite being a prophet, he was well connected to the king and his court. The Isaiah from whom we read today, “Isaiah of Babylon,” wrote from the community of exiled Jewish leaders in Babylon sometime after 539 BC. Despite the difference of time and place they share similar ideas. The first is the nature of the call itself.

Our passage opens with:

Comfort, give comfort to my people,
says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her
that her service is at an end,

(Is 40:1–2b)

Continue reading “2nd Sunday of Advent – Wanting Nothing More Than to Know and Love Us” →

Photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

Fr. Smith’s Commentary on the First Reading
First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7
November 29, 2020

There is a sense of desperation in today’s reading from Isaiah.  As we will see, it is justified and has a very specific cause. Yet, although specific, it has much to teach us.

We will read today roughly from Isaiah 63:16-64:7. This was written by the third person to use the name Isaiah. He was among the Jews who accepted the offer of King Cyrus, the Assyrian conqueror of Babylon, to return to Jerusalem as one of his colonial administrators. This was in 546 BC; he is writing about 500 BC. There have been so many difficulties that many of the colonists are questioning their mission. Isaiah will answer them in a very Jewish way.

Continue reading “1st Sunday of Advent – The Work of God’s Hands” →