The prophet Isaiah proclaims that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. He was talking about his own time, some 700 years before the birth of Jesus, when Israel/Judea was oppressed first by the Assyrians and then the Babylonians. The destruction of the Israeli capital of Samaria in 721 BCE was one of the most devastating in the annals of that era. Where was the light to be found?
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him ‘Emmanuel,’ which means ‘God is with us.’
“Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.”
MATTHEW 11: 4-5
For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’
“Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.”
Maryknoll Fr. Larry Lewis reflects on the life and death of Jesus on the cross, connecting with all our sufferings, hopes, fears and dreams.
Steve Veryser, a Maryknoll lay missioner in Tanzania, reflects on how the Scriptures relate to a student march at a school function: who are these signs for anyways?
Debbie Northern, a Maryknoll lay missioner in El Paso, Texas, reflects on the Christian call to seek justice for all who are oppressed.
Maryknoll Sr. Janet Hockman reflects on the grace of unexpected opportunities to see things in new ways.
Maryknoll Brother John Blazo reflects on lessons learned as a missioner being with people in need in Guatemala and Nicaragua.
Maryknoll Lay Missioner Joanne Miya reflects on our need to care for one another.
Maryknoll Lay Missioner Kathy Bond in Brazil reflects on Jesus' teaching on healing and gratitude.