KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD

During this sacred season of Advent, we are given two great figures from the Sacred Scriptures. They are Isaiah and John the Baptist. They are prophets of Advent. Isaiah announces  the arrival of the Messianic King who brings transformation. His work is to restore order within the whole of creation. He presents a vision of peaceful cosmos: animals no longer predators without the need to destroy each other. The wolf shall be the guest of the lamb; the calf and the young lion shall browse together; the baby shall play by the cobra’s den (Isaiah 11:6). This is an image of radical transformation fulfilled by the Messianic King. For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The consequence of the knowledge of the Lord is harmony, transformation and peace. And to know in Scripture is intimacy, relationship, friendship and covenant. Advent is a time to grow in our relationship with God. John the Baptist is also a prophet of Advent. He prepares the way of the Lord. He is the precursor, forerunner and points to Jesus. He is a prophet who calls people back to their relationship with God. His call is to grow in the knowledge of the Lord. His first word is repent. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:1). The word repent means to return, turning around, turning back and it is not only to be sorry for our sins but turning to a fruitful life. The Greek word is metanoia which means radical change of mind and heart, of values and priorities. Advent is a time to go back to our root who is Jesus. He is the origin, meaning, purpose  and goal of life. He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. Advent is a time to keep our gaze fixed on Jesus who alone is our peace and joy. It is a call to learn from Him, to grow in our knowledge of Him and to imitate His total self giving love. It is to have the same mind and heart of Jesus. Why do we have injustice, poverty, division, violence and disharmony in our world today? It is because the sense of  God is lost. There is secular indifference and we lack the knowledge of the Lord. It is only when we grow in our  relationship with Him that we have peace, justice, love and order in the world because He alone can satisfy us. We are the physical presence of Christ in our tormented world today.