It is 5th December 2017. The readings are from Isaiah 11:1-10, 11-14; and the Gospel from Luke 10:21-24. In the first reading, we read the prophecy of Isaiah that speaks about the shoot from Jesse, who was the father of David. The presence and the power of God’s Spirit in the second David, who is Jesus. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are mentioned here. we read about the six gifts namely wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord but in the Greek and Latin text, the seventh gift ‘piety’ is mentioned. Wherever the Spirit of God is, there is newness of life and conversion of hearts. There is going to be a profound change within every human being during the presence and manifestation of the power of the second David, Jesus. The second David is a universal king. Where ever there is hope, there is unity, peace and righteousness. We need to instill hope in us and around us even if the situations do not seem to suggest at all. In the responsorial Psalm we acclaim, “In his days justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails.” (Ps.71:7). In the Gospel, we pray with Jesus who is filled with the Holy Spirit. The Advent is the time to relate with God more deeply and be sorry for all that we have failed in our spiritual and relational connections. The prayer of Jesus offers us the joy of the Holy Spirit. It is through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are strengthened in hope to meet the Lord in all our life situation. God will not let us down and depart from our lives for good. Being aware of God’s presence and protection in everything we do and say. May you be filled with hope that gushes from the faith in Jesus, the shoot of all impending blessings in our lives. May you have a good day. God bless you.