December 7 — Sunday of the Second Week of Advent
Cracking the stiff spine on the psychology textbook years ago, I opened and read the first sentence, and immediately, a jaw-dropping, hard stop.
Life is difficult. Only three words.
Looking up, then away, the pause started with, "yes,” continuing, "no one is going to debate that," and further, "so simple, so true." Advent light in, and out, of darkness. The contrast closer, the hope clearer. Ritualizing the circle in a brightening wreath. For Paul, "endurance and encouragement" in a difficult life.
Love, love, Isaiah and this vision of the coming Messiah issuing in the final, final era of justice, peace, and righteousness. It reminds me of the opening scene of The Lion King, with its beautiful sets, designs, songs, and dances, choreographing harmony in the jungle. The newborn lion king held high. Maybe it's the lion and the calf, the child playing, the dangerous no longer dangerous, the difficult no longer difficult.
Today's jungle, not unlike the Baptist's jungle in Matthew's telling, has violence even in the words: broods and vipers, wrath, axes, cutting, threshing floors, chaff, unquenchable fire.
Fr. Joseph Driscoll, D. Min., Director of Ministry Formation and Organization Spirituality, Redeemer Health
Pause
How can we hold up the Christ with lioness courage, lighting our faith in an often-darkening world stage?
Pray
God, who is hope, shine Your light in our darkness so that we may continue to build Your kingdom. Let us be reflections of Your brilliance, always working to make Your goodness known. In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen.