Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
Today's Scripture
It is the season where expectations begin to run high. For many children there are advertisements, store windows and TV commercials peddling the toys they ought to have. For many adults, there is decorating, parties, cleaning, cards and cooking. These activities are in addition to our already busy lives. Of course, our goal is that all of these things happen in a picture perfect way. In this, our own expectations can lead to our possible unraveling.
From this perspective, we approach today’s readings. They challenge us to examine our own expectations, not only of ourselves but of our God. In Isaiah, the prophet speaks with the voice of God using words that echo the main Jewish creed - “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord.” These words communicate God’s expectation that we make as our only God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The message continues that this same God is to be our source of strength and our reason for justice. Only to this God are we to bend our knees.
Who is this God? The gospel has John the Baptist sending his disciples to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Luke 7:19) Are you the messiah we have been expecting or is it someone else? Jesus answers them by telling them to witness to John of the wonderful works they observed through Jesus.
Reflect upon your own view of God and how God interacts with our world. Is your view hope-filled? Do we as a community believe that this is the God who Isaiah proclaims as bringing peace and salvation? Do we witness to this God’s presence in our lives by being kindhearted to the sick, suffering and the poor? These corporal works of mercy are the very ways we outwardly live God’s great expectations for us.
“God of Hope and Justice, in so many ways You rain down your love upon us. Continue to strengthen our faith during this Advent season. Help all of our activities at this time of year joyfully give witness to the coming of your kingdom. Amen!”
-Michael Montgomery