Second Sunday of Advent: John the Baptist and the Messianic Age

Isaiah, the Old Testament Roots of the Messianic Age The Jesse Tree has it's roots, so to speak, in Medieval Art. It is still a great Advent custom. Each day of Advent, you can add a new symbol to the Christmas tree that reminds us of salvation history in the Old Testament. Jesse was the father of King David, the origin of the Davidic Dynasty. David was a real historic person and his dynasty lasted about 400 years until it was destroyed by the King of Babylon. Isaiah, in the first reading, refers to a shoot from the stump of Jesse, that is, the defunct line of David would be brought back to life by God. That is the nature of John the Baptist's preaching today. In Oro Valley Catholic, we review the historic John the Baptist and how his preaching excited the people of his time. We will discuss the Jewish historian, Josephus, and how the Gospel of Matthew weaves John the Baptist's prophecy into the story of the Gospel. You can listen to Oro Valley Catholic by choosing the link below or you can sign up with your favorite podcast host. You can also download the Lectio Divina study guide by clicking on the link.