Jesus’ disciples follow him as he leaves the temple mount in Matthew 24, the source of Sunday’s gospel. They look back in appreciation at the building King Herod has rebuilt to burnish the city skyline with elegance. Then Jesus prophesies the temple will not stand, “not a stone upon another stone” (24.2).
What is prophecy in Jesus’ lifetime is history when Matthew writes some 50 years later. The gospel writer knows the temple lies in ruins. Its destruction in A.D. 70 leaves Israel’s spiritual icon in rubble, creating an indelible memory much like 9/11—a wake-up call. Matthew wants believers to recognize they are the new temple, living stones of a new community of faith.
- When in your life have you realized that you were complacent about God? How did God get your attention?
- When have you recognized God’s presence and power in your life?
The 1st Sunday of Advent begins the Church year with a focus on Jesus’ second coming, an event that seems even farther off to us than to the Christians for whom Matthew writes.
Jesus’ wake-up call sounds its alarm with three examples: the clueless people in the days of Noah, the workers snatched in the field and mill, and the burgled homeowner. The clueless party people could many times be any of us, wasting our lives without appreciating the people who bless our days and the gift of life itself.
The snatched-away workers project an ominous and urgent feel. There is no reason why one is taken and one has another chance. Clearly the time to pay attention is now. The parable of the homeowner makes clear a thief depends on the homeowner’s forgetfulness.
To not miss God’s comings, Jesus cautions us to stay awake. Staying awake spiritually simply means paying attention—living, loving, remembering consciously. We celebrate liturgies in our churches that help us appreciate God’s presence and gifts in our lives. We celebrate rituals in many other places—tucking a child in bed every night, honoring birthdays with cake and memories, gathering in times of sorrow.
- How might God be present in these rituals? How might they be holy even if not “church-y?”
Advent is a time of remembering God’s fidelity and God’s desires for relationship with people. The birth of Jesus Christ reveals a divine value in human life and relationships. The birth of God in human flesh is an emptying of divine prerogative and a privileging of our human capacity to heal, share, forgive, reconcile, free, accompany. We are pregnant with the Spirit and in labor to bring God’s kin*dom to birth among us.
Now is the time to live like Jesus. Now is the moment to feed the hungry, to forgive those we really love, to restore depressed spirits to joy. Now is the time to watch birds eating the seeds of last summer’s blooms and to let “I love you” and “I’m proud of you” no longer go unsaid. Now is the time to give ourselves to those we love and those whose lives we touch.
Advent says, “Just in case you have been dozing, wake up and be ready for something wonderful!” God promises us gifts and graces as the Church year unfolds. Many gifts will come through the liturgies of our lives together—tears shared together, ears that listen to our joys and sadnesses, eyes that appreciate the house bedecked once more for Christmas, hands that set the tree straight and deliver food baskets.
- What gifts has God given me to share?
- Celebrate each day of Advent by gathering around the Advent wreath. Pray for peace in our world and love in our families.