The Scriptures of Advent
Advent Sunday this year introduces us to the Gospel of Luke with its rich and familiar imagery. Last Sunday we were alerted to the need to be prepared. The community of St. Luke understood this in terms of the immanent return of the Lord. Our interpretation is necessarily broader but no less insistent. The daily “slings and arrows” that lurk around every corner challenge us to be spiritually fit such that we will be prepared to “stand secure before the Son of Man.” Advent is a good time to reconnect with the sacrament of reconciliation.
The Second Sunday of Advent gives us a specific time frame during the reign of Tiberius Caesar “when Pontius Pilate was procurator of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, Philip his brother tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanius tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas…” This tells us about a land and society in which there was an unwelcome government of occupation. It was a time when the prophets of old were getting some new attention. From the Book of the Prophet Isaiah the stage is set for the ministry of John the Baptist who will call the people to “straighten” out their ways in preparation for the salvation of God. The herald’s voice speaks out to us across the centuries reminding us to clear a path for the savior. The other Scriptures ring the changes on the theme of justice. As we prepare our homes for the feast of Christmas let us remember to include those for whom this season is anything but a time of joy so that at His coming the Lord may find us “rich in the harvest of justice”.
The Third Sunday of Advent has a theme of rejoicing. Even St. John the Baptist has a joyful note in his voice as he describes the savior “whose sandal strap he is unworthy to unfasten”. His tone turns ominous as he describes a version of separating the sheep from the goats. Lest despair over such cast too dark a shadow over the day it is good to revisit the words from the letter of Paul to the Philippians where he admonishes us to “Dismiss all anxiety from your minds. Present your needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions full of gratitude. Then God’s own peace which is beyond all understanding will stand guard over your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ.” Advent is a good time to hit the “refresh button” on our prayers and purposefully include the needs of many around us gathering their needs and laying them before God’s gracious mercy.
The Fourth Sunday finds us looking in at the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth where Mary is visiting. Both women are unexpectedly expecting and each with her amazing story to tell. The new life in each of them is already at work. Jesus’ very presence in the womb of his Blessed Mother is acknowledged by her cousin as his divine presence has already been revealed. The future prophet whose voice will call many to repentance and who will inaugurate the sacraments with the Baptism of Jesus has initiated his witness with a back flip in his mother’s womb. Elizabeth’s words to Mary “Blessed is she who trusted…” echo down the centuries to our own ears. With the birthday of the savior a six days away we think about our own ability to trust in God’s promises. Perhaps the best gift we can offer to ourselves this year is the resolve to allow God to be trusted at his Word.