Advent II

Advent II

Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126; Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6

What are you certain of in this life?

Are you certain of anything?

We are regularly challenged in what we consider to be is certain. Yet the recovery of a previously unknown document leads historians to reinterpret and offer new insights in the field of history. New observations, an accident or a fresh insight lead researchers in all fields of science down exciting new pathways and conclusions. Even the Church through her reflection and prayer matures and deepens in her insights and relationship with Jesus Christ. In the scripture passages of the recent weeks, we are challenged by Jesus to be aware, to reflect, and to interpret the “signs of the times.” It all means that our knowledge of history, science, or our Christian faith are vibrant.

Regrettably, we tend to react against new information and conclusions because they change our self–perceptions.

As a nation we do not want to acknowledge the massacres and genocides of indigenous tribes on this continent by our government. In the Church we put off the issue of the ordination of women by creating commission after commission rather than acknowledging the evidence that women were ordained to the diaconate for centuries. For some people the Holocaust is a hoax and the universe was created 6,000 years ago rather than 4.5 billion years ago.

New evidence and insights undermine our sense of stability challenging us to approach life differently. And the pandemic? Has not the pandemic put into question many of our relationships, our purpose in life, our sense of well–being, our futures, and our children’s future?

In the midst of all the uncertainties of life, Paul is certain of two things.

When writing to the Church of Rome he asks, “Who or what will separate us from the love of Christ”? His answer? “For I am convinced that neither death nor life…nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” [Romans 8: 35, 38-39]

A profoundly bold and confident statement.

Paul also expresses this same self–assurance in his letter to the Philippian Church. “Brothers and sisters: I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 1: 3-6]

Paul presumes that within every person is a gradual and increasingly good work begun by God. Note the dynamism of the statement: God began…God continues toward completion.  This act within you and me lifelong.

Do we believe this about ourselves? About others? Do we recognize that there is a good work that is being brought to fulfillment within you and me?

Consider the similarities with the act of creation. Is creation over and done with? Was the act of creation finished on the sixth day? The reality is creation has been an ongoing process since the Big Bang. Our universe is not static. It has continued and is continually expanding, birthing new galaxies and stars. If God is not finished with the act of creation; is God finished with the act of our redemption? “The one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus”…that is, the Second Coming.

One might even consider, will the act of creation and redemption, in the sense that they are dynamic movements of the Holy Spirit, ever be completed? Otherwise won’t eternal life be pretty dull and disappointing. For “there [will be] nothing to dream. Nowhere to go. Nothing to know” [Symphony No. 3, “Kaddish”, Leonard Bernstein].

We want things finished, “we want to get going. We want it to happen. We want to get there. We want to see how it turns out…” [The poem, “Waiting," by Wayne Saffen]  We just want this pandemic over! Yet Advent and Christmas, like creation, like ourselves, are not static seasons because the good work begun in us is not complete. God is always coming toward us. God is always working within us. The Second Coming is an ongoing event.

Paul’s confidence is not in human certainties but in divine promises and a lively relationship with Jesus Christ. A relationship which offers us the spiritual framework for Advent and our entire Christian life.

Thus Paul prays that our love may increase more and more. In an increasingly coarse and volatile society of personal attacks and hardness of heart, do we not need an increase in love and compassion? Paul prays that we are able to discern what is of value. What is of value to you against which all else pales?  In our ability to love and discern, Paul knows that we will become pure and blameless, filled with fruit of righteousness.

Paul comes into our midst from an empire and society not much different than our own and offers us the hope of confidence in Jesus Christ. That is a certainty worthy living.