Date: Sunday, November 30, 2014
Many of us are lacking in patience – especially when we are confined at home and our mobility is restricted. We find ourselves watching the snow fall and waiting for someone to dig us out. We had some worries e.g. will the electricity go out? Will we run out of food? What happens if I get sick or need medication? But what are these worries in comparison to being in your car stuck in the snow, slowly being covered? One woman was able to open her window and raise a red snow brush so 1st responders could find her place. Others wrote notes to their loved ones not knowing if they would be found in time. Can we imagine being covered with snow for hours and not having a cell phone to call for help? Advent is all about wondering whether or not someone is coming.
Isaiah cries out to God on behalf of the Jewish people who are despondent, captive in Babylon, feeling abandoned by God: “Rend the heavens and come down.” Isaiah addresses the Lord as father and redeemer. “You are the potter, we are the clay.” St. Paul writes the Church at Corinth to be mindful of their abundant gifts as they await the revelation of Jesus Christ. Paul urges them to anticipate the Lord’s coming and to use their gifts for the betterment of the believing community, to build up the body of Christ. Paul writes later in this letter: “Love is patient and kind.” In the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus concludes his preaching “on the end” by speaking of a man who goes on a journey and places his servants in charge, each with his own work. He tells the doorkeeper to keep watch for his return. This illustration of Jesus explains Advent. We are keeping vigil, staying awake for the Lord’s return and also being faithful to what Jesus has given us to do. Today we light the 1st candle of our Advent wreath anticipating the Lord’s return. The light from the candle will help us identify concerns and call forth spiritual gifts to care for people in need. Strangely, in caring for our least brothers and sisters, we will be ministering to Jesus himself, who as the hidden King comes to us today disguised in the poor.