I really admire Pope Francis for calling his segment of the Church Universal to react against the prevailing culture of self-indulgence. He has said that human life has more value than making lots of money and the power that goes with it. Already under criticism from those who worship at the altars of Mammon, his message trumpets forth like Isaiah or John the Baptizer, preparing the Way of the Lord across the neon desert. Perhaps the Season of Advent is our most strident opportunity to publicly affirm the disenfranchised, the poor and lonely, and those in the shadows who’ve given up hope. Let this Sunday’s lessons be read at full voice, declaimed dramatically with a spark in the eye of the reader!
The Advent Promise is spoken so well in the 35th Chapter of the writings of the Prophet Isaiah: “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom.” Bruce C. Birch, of Wesley Seminary, says that “the transformed way through the wilderness is also the sign of God’s impending new age, when all that is less than whole is restored and made new. Broken creation becomes new creation….the coming of God’s kingdom is signaled by reversals in the world’s priorities and understanding….the weak are given strength, the fearful given courage. The feeble are made firm, and the coming of the Lord brings salvation.” Come with singing, for sorrow and sighing shall flee away!
But is this happening? Why is there yet so much pain? James encourages the Believer, “You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (5:8) A major part of our Advent message to the weary world is, “Hang In There, God’s in Charge!”
Matthew’s Gospel tells the story of John the Baptizer, wearied and discouraged in prison, sending to Jesus to ask the same question that we do: “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” To which Jesus points to signs of the Kingdom: “…the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.” (11:2-5) The very real presence of Jesus is the consummation of the Advent Promise! From this day forward, we see the needy, the disabled and the oppressed through Holy Eyes…
How then shall we live the Advent Promise in the midst of international distrust, drones and phone tapping, and environmental neglect? What is different in the attitude of Church People when met by cuts in aid to the poor and ill? And how do we ourselves meet the bigoted and uninformed folks who shout their fears of not having enough to go ’round? May the Scriptures of this Season form us into the People of God’s Image, announcing God’s ubiquitous Presence!
God Bless Us, Every One! H B King
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