The Third Sunday of Advent continues to bring us the list of Isaiah's promises of watered parched land and the blooming desert. (Cf. Is 35: 1-6a, 10). Where is this transformed garden? If we take Isaiah literally, we will be looking in vain, but figuratively, the likelihood of finding it is more possible: the spiritual transformation of our own souls and the coming of the Lord's Kingdom. Nevertheless, it's still a long process, as we know from our up and down experience. St. James encourages us to look at the farmer and his patience from seed to harvest, something that does not happen overnight.
Elsewhere, Isaiah spoke of "The Spirit of the Lord being upon us" (Is 60: 1, cited in Luke 4:18). With that Spirit as our aide, we have an ally who is at our side to "give us a hand", take up our cause, and work with us over the long haul of cultivating the garden of our souls, and of the Church. The presence of the Spirit is a relief, a consolation--we are not alone. Even in our bumbling prayers and efforts, the Spirit is there to interpret to the Father, "This is what he or she means to say." Today is called "Rejoice Sunday", because we are half-way to Christmas...but thinking of the Spirit in this light is another major reason to rejoice!
Bro. Rene
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