Monday of the Second Week of Advent
I have been struggling recently. As a Christian I am called to live with joy and hope as I build the Kingdom of God, but so many things in the world around me do not give me reason to believe. The political fighting, the lack of respect for people (particularly if they are a different race, ethnicity or religion), and the exploding world of consumerism during this holiday season all create a sense of restlessness in me. Today’s readings are reminders of what we can expect when we live in the Kingdom of God. These passages create a longing within me to able to live in the Kingdom right now. Since we are disciples of Jesus, we are called not only to seek and recognize, but we are sent forth to build His Kingdom even in the midst of the chaos of this world.
In the first reading, Isaiah describes God’s Kingdom as a place where creation will spring forth in abundance, and people will live in joy without fear. Jesus shows us what the Kingdom looks like when He heals a paralytic dropped from the roof by his faith-filled friends. Jesus not only provides healing, but He shares His forgiveness as well. The people who were gathered with Jesus were from many places in Israel, and when they witnessed the healing, they were “struck with awe” and they said, “We have seen incredible things today!” They witnessed firsthand the Kingdom of God.
Jesus throughout His ministry states that “the Kingdom of God is among you.” Where is the Kingdom growing today? I think there many areas where God’s love is taking shape. One emerging trend is a gathering of people from various religious faiths who are able to share without hatred and judgment. They approach one another with mutual respect. As the psalm says, “kindness and truth shall meet, and justice and peace shall kiss.” This is a glimpse of what the Kingdom will look like and it starts with open and honest conversation. We can be among these people where we step forth with open hands and invite dialogue. A quote that I read recently captures the essence of this quest.
[We need] a Christian identity that is both strong and kind. By “strong” I mean vigorous, vital, durable, motivating, faithful, attractive, and defining. By “kind” I mean something far more robust than mere tolerance, political correctness, or coexistence: I mean benevolent, hospitable, accepting, interested, and loving, so that the stronger our Christian faith, the more goodwill we will feel and show toward those of other faiths, seeking to understand and appreciate their religion from their point of view.—(Brian McLaren) When we strive for this unity we are building the Kingdom of God right now!
The many people and nations that are committed to the care of our world is another example of how the Kingdom of God is among us. Pope Francis with his encyclical Laudato si’ reminds each of us that we are called to protect, preserve and care for our world. This work of tending to our world is not just for our benefit, but for all people and future generations as well. Isaiah’s description of abundant flourishing landscapes is something we can not only long for, but we can accomplish with God’s grace. This can be a source of joy and hope for us in our weary world as we realize that we can make a difference in bringing God’s Kingdom to fruition.
Sometimes God comes to us even in personal ways to help us know that the Kingdom is not far. Just the other day I was at work in the middle of a hectic and overwhelming day. As I stopped to do my notes, I heard a small voice from a room nearby singing, “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid- have courage.” I stopped what I was doing and put my head into the room where a 3 year old and her mom were waiting for her appointment. I complimented the child on her singing and the lovely words, and her mom commented that she had learned this at her preschool. I said that it reminded me of scripture and the many times we are reminded to “fear not.” It was if God (in the person of this small child) was reminding me not to be afraid and to take courage. These are the same words that Isaiah speaks in today’s reading- “Be strong, fear not! Here is your God!”
In Advent we look forward to the Child who will lead us to the Kingdom, and it is this same Child who tells us “do not be afraid.” God wants us to live with joy and hope. He knows our longings and wants our desires fulfilled within the love of His Kingdom. It takes effort for us to have open eyes, ears, and hearts so we can see and hear God speaking (even in the next room!) God wants us to have hope that the Kingdom of God is not only possible but it right here among us. Pope Francis reminds us “Hope opens new horizons, making us capable of dreaming what is not even imaginable.” May this Advent be a time when we see with the eyes of hope and realize how the Kingdom of God is in fact among us. Through the grace of God’s Spirit may we believe, take courage and join with others in building the Kingdom for all to see. When we find the Kingdom alive in our world we will then be like the people in the today’s gospel- struck with awe and able to proclaim, “We have seen incredible things today!”
Loving Father, Jesus brings Your love, mercy and healing to all people so we can live in Your Kingdom. Through the grace of Your Spirit, may we recognize the Kingdom in our midst and do all we can to join with others in building the Kingdom. May we glorify and praise You in all we do. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. Amen
- Marylynn Herchline