They devoured the flesh of their own kindred
Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 11:47AM 
Wickedness burned like a fire,
consuming briers and thorns;
it kindled the thickets of the forest,
and they swirled upward in a column of smoke.
Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts the land was burned,
and the people became like fuel for the fire; no one spared another.
They gorged on the right, but still were hungry,
and they devoured on the left, but were not satisfied;
they devoured the flesh of their own kindred; (Isaiah 9:18 - 20)
Yes, yes…I know the prophet isn’t speaking of the political right and left.
Still, it fits our situation, doesn’t it! And maybe the prophet does mean the words for us in this time.
The reading is from today’s daily office. Sister Michelle and I both laughed.
Often the psalms, readings and prayers of the Office speak so clearly into our life. This was one of those days.
Just a bit later we were able to pray with the prophet,
In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the
shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
And then,
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come
among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins,
let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver
us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and
the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Blessings this Advent,
rag+
Reader Comments (1)
Thank you Robert. The readings from Isaiah at Morning Prayer during Advent (as well as the Collects) have been very meaningful for me. After the very long Season after Pentecost, I've enjoyed the laser-focused themes in the Advent lections, particularly the OT. I've also enjoyed reading the Gospel accounts of the lead-up to the Passion. It's been interesting reading those outside of Holy Week, through an Advent lens.
When Martin Thornton says that the Daily Office prepares us for the Sunday Eucharist, it really hits home for me during Advent.