December 11th, 2003, Monday of the second week of Advent.

A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

The desert and the parched land will exalt.

The step will rejoice and bloom.

They will bloom with abundant flowers and rejoice with joyful song.

The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.

They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.

Strengthen the hands that are feeble. Make firm the knees that are weak. Say to those whose

hearts are frightened, be strong, fear not. Here is your God. He comes with vindication. With divine

recompense, he comes to save you.

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened,

the ears of the deaf be cleared,

then will the lame leap like a stag,

then the tongue of the mute will sing.

Streams will burst forth in the desert and rivers in the step.

The burning sands will become pools and the thirsty ground springs of water.

The abode where jackals lurk will be a marsh for the reed and papyrus.

A highway will be there, called the Holy Way.

No one unclean may pass over it, nor fools go astray on it. No lion will be there, nor beast of prey go up to be met upon it.

It is for those with a journey to make,

and on it the redeemed will walk.

Those whom the Lord has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing,

...