On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The readings during Advent are designed to prepare us for God to come into the world. The sign of God’s presence will be healing and wholeness. Jesus fulfills that promise by bringing healing to the people who needed it. When Jesus heals a blind person (or two as in Matthew’s Gospel) he not only gives them sight, he also gives them (and subsequent believers) insight into the presence of God in our midst. Jesus also healed the deaf but notice how Isaiah speaks of the significance of such healing — they “shall hear the words of a book.” The healing of deafness enables the hearer to appreciate and understand the word of God which is proclaimed from “a book.” During this Advent we too are invited to hear the words of a book, the Bbile. God’s revelation is there to guide us and instruct us on how to live in this world. Even though all around us is “gloom and darkness” the Book gives us hope since it speaks of the ultimate triumph of God over sin and death. Advent is a season of waiting for the day of the Lord.
