Today is Dec. 2, Monday of the First Week of Advent.
At Mass today we hear the prophet Isaiah declare, “The mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills.” And what is that mountain? Where is the Lord’s house that Isaiah sees? Jerusalem.
But aren’t we talking about Bethlehem this Advent? Why begin with Jerusalem? In the Psalms and the visions of the prophets, Jerusalem embodies the grandeur of God’s ultimate plan for humanity. It’s an especially noble city, the home of Israel’s kings and Temple.
Isaiah envisions Jerusalem as the “mountain of the LORD’s house,” exalted above all others, a place where all nations will stream to seek God’s wisdom and peace. This prophecy offers a vision of universal hope: a world united under the reign of the Messiah, where swords are beaten into plowshares, and peace replaces the divisions of war. A vision we long for with urgency, given the geopolitical situation of the region today. Jerusalem is not merely a geographical location but a symbol of divine instruction and justice, that God will draw all humanity to himself.
The mountains of Bethlehem
The great irony about talking about the heights of Jerusalem, the city’s physical landscape that is, is that Bethlehem actually stands 98 feet higher above sea level than Jerusalem! Surrounded by rolling hills (the Judean Mountains), Bethlehem offers striking views of the region. But in either case to ascend to Jerusalem or to Bethlehem is to ascend to the heights to seek God.
Let us prepare to receive Christ anew this Advent, embracing the humility of Bethlehem and the hope of Jerusalem. As Isaiah’s vision reminds us, the promise of the Messiah is not only for us but for all nations. May our lives reflect the peace and justice of his kingdom as we await his glorious coming.
Let us pray,
Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord our God, as we await the advent of Christ your Son, so that, when he comes and knocks, he may find us watchful in prayer and exultant in his praise. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
