Our native Australian bush has a remarkable facility to regenerate after natural events such as bushfire or severe storms. The imperative for new life, for survival, for hope, overcomes the desolation left after natural disasters.

In today’s first reading, the writer of Isaiah speaks of a similar rebirth after a massive disaster. The fullest meaning of the reading becomes clearer in the context of the preceding verses in Isaiah 10: The lofty trees will be felled, the Lord will cut down the forest with an axe!

The Assyrians will be defeated and the faithful remnant of Israel will be saved. Most significantly, a new shoot will arise, the promised messiah, who will bring in a new era of peace and justice, where harmony thrives even in the natural world. Isaiah’s vision of the new world is one of right relationships among all living beings, a theme echoed in the second reading where Paul encourages radical unity between all peoples, circumcised and Gentiles.

The theme of creation and the natural world continues in today’s gospel, where we meet John the Baptist, who lived in the wilderness, ate bush tucker, lived very simply and baptised his followers. His preaching spoke of the need to produce good fruit and to turn away from destructive habits. John threatened dire punishments on those who don’t hear his message of repentance, even the religious leaders of the day – the “brood of vipers”.

Like Isaiah, though, John offers a promise of new life, “the one who is coming after me”, who brings the Spirit and fire.

The coming of the Messiah, through the action of the Spirit, brings forth a new world. As Elizabeth Johnson writes, “a flourishing humanity on a thriving planet, rich in species in an evolving universe, all together filled with the glory of God: such is the vision that must guide us at this critical time of the earth’s distress.” This is also the vision which will guide us in our Advent reflections and our preparation for the Christmas season.

As the Christmas season approaches, these readings urge us towards ecological conversion. For many, these days leading to Christmas can be filled with consumerism, preparing for extravagant gifts and gatherings, concern about financial pressures or family tension. The invitation contained in today’s readings is to make Christmas a truly joyful time, without surrendering to excessive materialism and consumerism.

In these early summer days, we see life emerging in the Australian bush and in our gardens. Jacarandas are still flowering and our lawns need mowing more frequently. May this rebirth in the natural world inspire us to care more actively for planet Earth, our common home.

And may this Advent season also be a time of new growth in our spiritual lives, as we prepare for the coming of the Christ child at Christmas.

Jorunal and reflect on the following
  1. Where have I experienced devastation or loss in my own life, and what signs of new growth or hope can I recognise emerging from it?
  2. Isaiah speaks of right relationships within creation — how do my everyday choices support or damage my relationships with others, the earth, and God?
  3. John the Baptist calls people to produce “good fruit.” What habits or behaviours in my life may need to change so that I can bear more life-giving fruit?
  4. In what ways does consumerism distract me from the true joy and meaning of Christmas, and how might I simplify this season?
  5. How does spending time in nature help me to sense God’s presence and renew my sense of hope or purpose?
  6. What might an “ecological conversion” look like for me personally in this season of Advent?
  7. As I prepare for Christmas, how can I make space for spiritual growth and openness to the coming of Christ in my daily life?
Discuss

Song - Make Room



Final Prayer

God of life and renewal,
as the Australian bush rises again after fire and storm, awaken in us the same hope you promise through your Word. From the brokenness of our world, let new life spring forth through the coming of your Son, the promised shoot of peace and justice. By the Spirit’s fire, turn our hearts from destructive habits and excessive desires, and shape within us lives that bear good fruit. Teach us to live more simply, to walk gently upon the earth, and to seek right relationships with all creation and one another. As we journey through this Advent season, may the signs of new life around us and within us prepare room for Christ, who comes to renew the world and dwell among us. Amen.
Comment on Facebook

For more information click here →