Monday in Advent — Open Word

FIRST READING

Isaiah 29:17-24

Verse 17. In a very short time, will not Lebanon become an orchard, and the orchard seem like a forest? Verse 18. On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see. Verse 19. The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. Verse 20. For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who look for evil will be cut down— Verse 21. those who indict a man with a word, who ensnare the mediator at the gate, and who with false charges deprive the innocent of justice. Verse 22. Therefore the LORD who redeemed Abraham says of the house of Jacob: “No longer will Jacob be ashamed and no more will his face grow pale. Verse 23. For when he sees his children around him, the work of My hands, they will honor My name, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and they will stand in awe of the God of Israel. Verse 24. Then the wayward in spirit will come to understanding, and those who grumble will accept instruction.”

PSALM

Psalm 42

For the choirmaster. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?

My tears have been my food both day and night, while men ask me all day long, “Where is your God?”

These things come to mind as I pour out my soul: how I walked with the multitude, leading the festive procession to the house of God with shouts of joy and praise.

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence.

O my God, my soul despairs within me. Therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon — even from Mount Mizar.

Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me.

The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life.

I say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?”

Like the crushing of my bones, my enemies taunt me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

SECOND READING

Acts 5:12-16

Verse 12. The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade. Verse 13. Although the people regarded them highly, no one else dared to join them. Verse 14. Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord — large numbers of both men and women. Verse 15. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Verse 16. Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed.