Second Sunday of Advent

Today's Scripture

“Why believe in God? Be good for goodness sake.” Such and other ads are now common on the Washington DC and New York Metro trains and buses. Here is another one: “Don’t believe in God: You are not alone!” Billboards along the busy highways in Dallas and Fort Worth offer this message. The American Humanist Association has begun an extensive ad campaign to promote atheism. The timing is clever – just as people’s minds begin to focus on religious feasts, just as the Church begins the season of Advent, there is a concerted move to counter God, faith, and religion. Add to this the economic downturn and the personal struggles of people – despair makes us question God. I met with a man last week whose life has fallen apart since he lost his job with General Motors. He now drives a school bus for four hours a day and is unable to meet the needs of his three children. None of them have health insurance. There are others who are compelled to take jobs outside their expertise, jobs they dislike or move away from family for the sake of jobs. During such times faith is bound to be at risk. God does seem far away. Despair can set in easy.

I reflected much on the meaning of our scripture readings in today’s context. The first reading proclaims: Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God forever…” (Bar5:1) The joy filled message of redemption that Baruch announced to the people of Judah in today’s first reading came after fifty years of a dreadful exile in Babylon. An entire generation passed away before God intervened in any meaningful way. Baruch’s prophecy of hope came at a time of utter despair. On the one hand, sitting in Babylon, the people think of the good old days of freedom and prosperity in the Promised Land. On the other hand, they reminisce upon their infidelity to the Covenant and repent of their sins. In the midst of such gloom came an amazing message: Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God (Bar 5:1)

So here is my challenge, rather, our challenge today. There are people passionate about godlessness and faithlessness. Moreover, each of us has heard at least one story of despair and hopelessness. In this context what do the promising words of Baruch mean? What does it mean for us to continue to believe the words of today’s gospel, “… all flesh shall see the salvation of our God?” (Lk 3:6). Do you understand the dilemma? When faithlessness is so rife and when there is every reason for despair, how does our faith in God still make sense? How shall we defend and stand by what we believe in? How can we a people of faith influence the world?

Let me offer three thoughts for reflection

1. On the one hand if our faith has to be strong then it must be challenged. On the other, we better be ready for our faith to be challenged. So here is something for us to think about. We better have a reason for our faith; we better have a convincing witness for our belief. If someone with despair does ask us for help we better be ready to give hope. And if at this present moment we are unsure of what our witness will look like may be this advent God in inviting us to grow another level in our faith.

2. Here is another point us to think about. Despair and faithlessness are as real as the air we breathe. What about the comfort, compassion, and presence of God? Where can we encounter God? Surely, every sacrament is the real presence of God to those who believe. But to those who do not believe each of us is a sacrament of God. Please, when you leave this Church today, let us be conscious of the immense responsibility we have – to become the hope, love, compassion and presence of God in some serious and radical way. In the hearts of many people, Christ will only be born through us.

3. The message that John the Baptist preached at the coming of Christ is a rather important message, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” (Lk 3:4) Today I want to acknowledge the many people who in moments of despair have held on to their faith and through their own life example prepare the way for the Lord. Here is one story: “Thanksgiving just ended and Advent started. Is there a better time for a God moment? Had to pass on to you that late this afternoon I finalized the process as a full time employee with the Kettering Health Network. I have truly been carried like in the 'footprints' story this past 20 months.” Here is another story: One of the gift requested at the giving tree was a musical instrument with a note that the kid loves drums. Someone in the parish cared enough and a drum set was delivered to the rectory. Here is another story: some people from the social justice committee went out late one night and met with some homeless people. Today, they will have a meal with more than hundred people who could do with some love and compassion. And we do this not just for goodness sake. We do this for the God who gave himself to us at Christmas.

In this parish, we have been focusing on the theme of “Radical Discipleship.” I hope our preparation for the coming of Christ will be as radical and serious as God’s love for us in Christ. Just as Christ gives himself radically to us in this Eucharist and this Christmas let us offer Christ radically to the world this Christmas and beyond.   Amen 

- Fr. Satish Joseph