On the Second Sunday of Advent, Isaiah proclaims that “a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse and from his roots a bud shall blossom (Isaiah 11:1).” As Christians, we believe that the bud described in this prophecy is Jesus. But who is Jesse? In the Old Testament, we learn that Jesse is a prominent citizen of Bethlehem. He is the father of King David, ancient Israel’s most celebrated leader. According to Jewish tradition, rabbinic scholars teach that Jesse is one of four figures to pass from this life free from sin. And in the New Testament, Jesse is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. Jesse may not be a major figure in the drama of salvation his- tory, but he stands as a symbol of goodness, loyalty, and service to the community.

The stump of Jesse, then, is the foundation upon which Isaiah teaches us about the coming of the Messiah and his reign over God’s people and over all of God’s creation. Rather than raise up a tyrant with terrifying powers over heaven and earth, Isaiah describes a peaceful kingdom infused with hope, kindness, and compassion. He speaks of wisdom and understanding, not harsh judgment. He predicts mercy for the accused, justice for the poor, and a community built on the principles of peace, fraternity, and mutual assistance.

According to Isaiah, the only creatures seemingly destined for God’s wrath are those who decide in favor of anger, gossip, and injustice. And when Isaiah predicts that wolves and lambs, leopards and goats, lions and calves, and bears and cows will live together in harmony, he is telling us that by God’s grace, peace is possible even when our differences and disagreements seem impossible to overcome. By God’s grace and mercy, even natural enemies can approach each other, gather together in peace, and worship their Creator with love and wonder. In Christ’s kingdom, all things are possible when we believe, when we trust, and when we choose to love God and love our neighbor without judgment and without counting the costs.

During a recent pilgrimage to his family’s ancestral home in northern Italy, Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the local cathedral. During the homily, the pope asked challenging questions about the future of the Church. He said: “It is up to us to choose whether to be spectators or involved. We see today’s crises: the decline in faith and the lack of participation. What do we do? Do we limit ourselves to making theories? Do we limit ourselves to criticizing? Or do we roll up our sleeves, take life in hand, and pass from the ‘if’ of apologies to the ‘yes’ of prayer and service? We all know what’s wrong with society. We talk every day about what is wrong in the world and in the Church…But do we do anything? Do we get our hands dirty like our God nailed to wood or do we stand with hands in pockets and watch (11-20-22)?”

Needless to say, the Holy Father challenges us to act, do good, and make a positive difference in our corner of this troubled world. In the end, we are free to choose or reject the hopeful vi- sion offered by Isaiah’s ancient prophecy. All around us, we are confronted by a culture that veers recklessly toward the vices described in today’s second reading. But we have the capacity, inspired by our faith, the witness of the saints, and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, to choose a better way, a more holy way. During this Advent season, let’s work together to nurture the little shoot that sprouts from the stump of Jesse so that it blossoms as peace, justice, and fraternity in our community and beyond. Let’s make ready the way of the Lord!

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (12-4-22)
Bringing Home the Word (12-4-22)
The Kids Bulletin (12-4-22)

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Call to Prayer
Born from the Stump of Jesse
A Prayer for Advent

By Cliff Garvey