The author of today's passage from the book of the prophet Isaiah laments to the Lord that his fellow Israelites are so prone to turning their backs to God. This causes the prophet to beg God to return to His people. This prophet has the true spirit of Advent: He is waiting for the coming of the Lord with a heart that longs to make changes so that God's will would be done on earth as it is in heaven.

We humans were born with a rebellious nature and a stubborn, selfish will. However, we are not doomed to rebellion against the Lord. In this season in which the world exchanges gifts, God offers us the greatest possible gift exchange. He lets us exchange our will for His. He gives us His perfect will; we give Him our selfish, unwatchful will.

In these days of Advent, ask the Lord to conform your will to His (Rm 12:2). Let this be your Advent prayer: " 'Not my will but Yours be done' (Lk 22:42). 'Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven' (Mt 6:10). 'Be it done to me according to Your will' (see Lk 1:38). 'To do Your will, O my God, is my delight' " (Ps 40:9).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 3, 2017

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