December 09, 2018
Second Sunday of Advent
It was a very moving service at the National Cathedral with living Presidents of the U.S.A. and world leaders and dignitaries listening to the words uttered at the funeral of George H. Bush. So many beautiful words were said in song, in prayer, in reading of Sacred Scripture, in homily and in eulogy. “Eulogy†means “good words.†Today in the Gospel according to St. Luke, the evangelist lists the powerbrokers of that day: Tiberias Caesar, Roman Emperor; Pontius Pilate, Governor of Judea; Herod, Tetrarch of Galilee; Philip, Tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, Tetrarch of Abilene; Annas and Caiaphas, High Priests. Yet the “word of God†comes to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. John goes throughout the whole region of the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John who receives the word of God is a prophet preparing for the coming of “the Word†Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist, a preacher and precursor of the Word, follows the example of Baruch, a minor Jewish prophet and secretary of Jeremiah, a major prophet. He speaks to the Jewish people, recalling both the Exodus and Exile, of God “bringing them back … for God is leading Israel in joy by the light of his glory, with his mercy and justice for company.†St. Paul is a wordsmith too. He writes to the Philippians: “And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the Day of Christ.â€
Like St. Paul, George Herbert Bush was a letter writer expressing his encouragement and love. Speakers at his funeral acknowledged that George H was less eloquent as a public speaker and more engaging personally speaking one to one. He was a man of faith and of service. His pastor quoted a saying: “Preach Christ and when necessary use words.†For all of us who have heard and received “the Word†we are commissioned to live the Word.
In the last of the Harry Potter movies, Harry goes on to meet Professor Dumbledore in a place, a space beyond death but before “moving on.†We know Harry is fascinated with magic. The Headmaster says to Harry that words are the greatest magic! Words can transform. During the season of Advent, we can be attentive to the words of John the Baptist as we ready to celebrate the coming of God’s Incarnate Word of love.
Previous:
First Sunday of Advent
Next:
3rd Sunday of Advent
