1st Sunday- Advent

Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44

Each of three readings pose a double message of warning and promise. Jerusalem is strategically important as it’s the capital of the Southern kingdom and the locale where Solomon built the temple for the Arc of the Lord (1). Suggesting it become the center of the world’s supernatural life is to advocate the Lord’s centrality to all people. “The Israelites are not told to go out to convert the nations but to attract them by their worship on Zion. In the ideal world of the future all nations will come together to the central city of Jerusalem (2).” In other words, not only Jews, but all people will “pilgrimage” to Zion, where they will live in peace with one another. Because of the language used in the Hebrew, it is also clear that the goal of the pilgrimage is to seek instruction (3).

There seems to be a turning point in the attitudes and motivations of the ancient Jewish people. In the passages focused on the beginnings of their story as a people, Lord God righteously vindicates the Jewish people, leading many a nation and people to the slaughter. However, later in their history comes suggestions of and longings for a time of peace. We, in our own lives may notice such a shift, from wanting to be right, to wanting peace. Peace is inclusive. We and the ancient Israelites, desire to inspire, encourage and draw others into an era of internal peace, not simply a situation absent of external conflict.

The language in the letter is reminiscent of the baptismal language, and indeed our baptism has prepared us and rooted our physical life’s journey in the Lord. Our baptism into the Church has initiated us into a pilgrimage in which Zion is a metaphor for eternal life with the Lord. The second reading and gospel exhort us to wait with patience, to be vigilant. While we generally talk about Advent as a time of preparation, we blur it with our panic to prepare for Christmas within a secular context. Being ready is different from getting ready, being prepared is different from preparing. Our baptism is our “getting ready.” We are already into our pilgrimage; Advent is a time to pause, refill our water bottles, check our supplies, take some happy snaps.

The gospel passage this week includes the parable of the women at the grinding wheel, one taken and one left behind. The general point is to be vigilant and watchful, expectant and observant. I’ve always heard that the passage suggests it is desirable to be the one taken. However, one commentary suggested that it is preferable to be left behind, not taken, as those in the flood in Noah’s day were taken (4). While I am doubtful of this interpretation, it gives pause for thought. What do I believe about the finite conclusion of humanity on Judgment Day?

In general, nobody wants to be taken or left behind. However, with our baptism we began the pilgrimage; we will not be taken from our earthly roots, or left attached to them, as we’ve already begun the process of separation. On Judgement Day, whether we conceive it as a cosmic, end-of-the-world event, or our own private and personal passing on, the Lord will finish drawing us away from earthly ties, and rooting us in His love in Heaven.

Journal Questions

Have I shifted from a desire to be righteously vindicated to a desire to draw others in a state of respectful and companionable peace? Reflect on such a moment or event in your own life, trying to capture the “before and after” attitudes and motivations.
Is global peace possible in my life time? What’s required for such to happen? What stands in the way? What can I do to draw other’s into a state of peace?
How is getting ready for Christmas different from evaluating my state of preparedness for Judgment Day and the Second Coming? Where do I see the similarities and differences?

References
1- The Interpreter’s One-Volume Commentarty on the Bible. Abingdon Press, Nashville, Tennessee, 1971.
2- The New Interpreter’s Bible: One Volume Commentary. Abingdon Press, Nashville, Tennessee, 2010.
3- New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1990.
4- The Gospel of Matthew; Ignatius Bible Study. Ignatius Press, San Francisco, 2010.

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