The prophets of Israel were the ones who narrated God’s dreams to the people. In today’s first reading (Isaiah 11: 1-10) we hear about a shoot sprouting from the stump of Jesse and how this king (the Messiah) will establish peace on earth. The translation of the Hebrew word shalom is peace. But the meanings of shalom are very profound. Peace is not a state without war in the language of Scripture, but a time of perfection in which not only man but all living beings experience eternal lasting peace, joy and prosperity. “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.” (Isaiah 11: 6-7). Under the rule of this righteous king, man and nature will enjoy peace. These words of the prophet reminds us of the Garden of Eden. The first parents maintained good relations with their Creator and fellow creatures. They lacked nothing. They did not know pain or suffering. But sin broke their shalom. The Prophet dreamed of a King of Peace who would restore this ancient state. He also describes the coming Messiah as the King of peace. Over time, when he was born in a stable, the angels sang about this peace. Let us pray that His Shalom will fill our hearts in these days of preparation.
✍ CB