Second Sunday of Advent (Lk: 3 1-6)
Second Sunday of Advent (Lk. 3:1-6) “A Hopeful Path”
“In the seventh year of the Papacy of Francis, Bishop of Rome, when Antonio Guterres was secretary general of the United Nations, Ursula von der Leyen was president of the European Commission, Archbishop Jose Gomez led the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Joseph Biden was president of the United States, the world was plagued by climate change and still was reeling from the COVID 19 pandemic and wondered where it would find signs of hope.
Perhaps if Luke were writing his Gospel today, he would begin with these words. Some scholars would say that the third chapter of Luke is the real beginning of that Gospel. Luke put his narrative in context by writing in this way. What was the point?
Luke talks about the civil authorities who were in power. He speaks of Tiberius Caesar and Pontius Pilate. His words were a reminder that Jewish people were not in charge of their own country. The Romans were. The Romans were an occupying power who ruled with an iron hand. If violence were necessary to maintain order, they would use it. Taxes were extracted from the people that were exorbitant. Herod was the Jewish King. He was put in place by the Romans. He was corrupt and brutal. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. The two of them were also corrupt. All they cared about was maintaining the status quo as they were collaborators with the Romans.
Luke was saying that in this most unlikely circumstance the story began to unfold. The times weren’t good. In fact, it was a tragic time, but this is when Jesus chose to become human. Our time is not always God’s time. We need to be ready.
Baruch had the same sort of message. He lived in a period of great turmoil as well (7 centuries before Christ). Baruch wrote at the time of the Exile in Babylon. He predicted an end to the exile. He felt the Jewish people had paid the price for their infidelity. All of them would return home. The time had come for the punishment to end. The time for sadness was over.
Baruch realizes that mourning can only last so long. The Jews have a custom after the death of a loved one called “Sitting Shivah.” The Jews bury the dead quickly since they do not embalm them. But that does not mean that they do not mourn. The family of the deceased person receives people into their home for seven days. Other customs are also observed.
The Jews will rend their garments, for example, which means they wear clothing with a rip in it. If they don’t do that, then they might wear a black ribbon that has been cut. The symbol signifies that the life of the family has been disrupted. The death experience is like a piece of cloth unraveling. The family will also sit on low stools as friends and relatives stop by which is a reminder that the mourners have been brought low. Tears are shed. Emotions are freely shared. Grief is not hidden or suppressed or denied. At the end of seven days though, it is time to move forward to cope with the death in daily life. Baruch felt it was time for the Jewish people, as we might say, to get off the pity pot.
When we consider our present-day situation we can fall into despair. Some might ask the question, “Is this the time to bring a child into the world?” Birth rates are down right now which is always a sign of pessimism. We know many people are quitting their jobs. Others have stopped practicing their religions. Addictions are rampant. The list of disheartening signs in our world is long.
We need a new outlook. John the Baptist called for a metanoia. The word is a Greek word which means to change. Such a definition is too mild though. Metanoia means a total reorientation. We need to shift from sadness to joy, pessimism to optimism, despair to joy, doubt to faith. If this happens, then wonderful things can occur. Baruch talks about the transformation of the landscape, of knocking down obstacles so that people, once again can move into a new era.
We might wonder if that is possible in our life. Perhaps we have a symbol in our own community which can be a sign of hope. During the past few years, we have slowly watched the new bridge rise out of the Mississippi. How often it seemed like the day would never come when it would open. Dirt had to be moved. Pilings had to be driven. Thousands of workers engaged in a seemingly impossible task. Yet, the work is done. The bridge is now open. New economic opportunities lie before us. All of this is hopeful. Advent is a time to believe that the impossible is possible. Advent is a time to persevere in hope. God won’t abandon us. Jesus will come to show us the way. We pray today with anticipation, “Come Lord Jesus Come.”
Reflection Questions:
- What is a trial for me in my life? Have I lost hope?
- Is there any sign of new beginnings? What is that sign?
Dear Parishioners,
We continue to struggle with the COVID pandemic. Every time that it seems like we will be able to loosen restrictions a new surge happens. I know we are all getting tired of wearing masks and distancing ourselves when we come to Mass. Some people would like to receive communion on the tongue or to receive the precious blood from the chalice. Other people resist getting the COVID shots because they say it is a matter of religious belief.
Why should we take precautions? Are we giving up personal freedoms when we do so? I am a non-conformist, or I would not be a priest. I question the conventional wisdom on a lot of things.
When I consider why I have gotten my two COVID shots and my booster and why I wear a mask and why I sometimes refrain from optional activities I remember that I do these things out of concern for others. Self-sacrifice is at the heart of Christian life. Jesus taught the religious principle that many faiths hold, “Love your neighbor as you would yourself.”
When we take precautions for COVID it is a sign that we love our neighbor. We are not protecting ourselves. Everyone from the Pope to our local bishops have asked people to get inoculated against COVID.
Every time I visit someone who is sick or dying with COVID I am reminded why I need to give up some of my own preferences for others. It is a gruesome way to suffer and many times to die. If everyone would cooperate, we would all benefit. It is a matter of the common good.
The Bishops of Iowa recently spoke with one voice asking the Catholics who live there to get vaccinated. I admire their resolve. I am sure they have received hate mail for their stance (seems kind of crazy). That will not sway them. I would encourage everyone to examine their conscience and do what is best for all.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark