Scripture reflections for Nov. 29: 1st Sunday of Advent. 2009

Who but a prophet would speak of shoots and branches in a time of terror? And who but Israel would listen? Such are the readings that begin our Advent pilgrimage. Jeremiah spoke amid catastrophe, ruin and degradation, and found reason not to give up hope. The “names” in Luke’s gospel are like reading an FBI “most wanted list” in the Post Office! Each was a mass murderer with crimes against humanity under his belt, and Luke’s advice for living in such a time is “live with dignity; hold your head high.” Is our time so different? Is ANY time so different? This year, as always, we are called to prepare for the celebration of the anniversary of the Birth of Christ by living by His teaching. With our dignity, the readings tell us, there is NOTHING we can’t survive! May your Advent be rich.

November 22, 2009: Solemnity of Christ the King

Today is the last Sunday of the Church year, next Sunday is our “new years” celebration: the First Sunday of Advent. So, as we end the year, we spiritually make the action that the year’s discipleship has been building toward: we crown Christ as King of the Universe. The readings, then, are selected to complement this theme. The Gospel is the story of the sign, “King of the Jews” placed over Christ’s head as He hung on the Cross. The first and second reading are “visions” of the cosmic crowning of Christ. What we see, though, when we look behind the curtain of language is a very different definition of power. Kings are powerful. They rule. And when is Christ MOST powerful? I’ll tell you: it’s when He is hanging on a Cross! This re-defines power and weakness. The weak wielded swords, lances and crosses. The powerful bore the suffering they inflicted with the purpose of lifting them and all humanity a little higher. Where is your power, today, and, where your weakness? The Gospel suggests you think very carefully on this.

November 15, 2009: 33rd Sunday in O.T., B

November 8, 2009: 32nd Sunday in O.T., B