The Second Sunday of Advent (Year A), Dec. 5, 2004
Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72 or 72:1-8; Rom. 15:4-13; Matt. 3:1-12
Our own age, like each which has come before it, is one in which human fallenness and the powers of darkness appear to hold sway. We see horrible atrocities committed against individuals and groups, usually in the questionable “service” of some political or religious program. We see third-world dictators holding onto power with death grips, the only purpose of their regimes and armies being to maintain their personal privilege. Closer to home, some see our own nation and Church flouting world opinion as we pursue our own agendas, no matter what. And all of us hurt and abuse one another, telling ourselves in the process that we have no choice, or that it really doesn’t matter anyway.
In the midst of this world’s fallenness and sinfulness, however, occasional glimmers of light appear around us. The daughter of a wealthy Albanian couple forsakes all to minister as a nun to the poorest of the poor in Calcutta. A political prisoner of 25 years becomes the first president of a democratic South Africa, miraculously forgiving his former oppressors. The defiance of a steelworker in Poland galvanizes all of eastern Europe to overthrow oppressive totalitarianism. Precursors of an age better than our own do appear regularly in our midst, and Christians understand them as inbreakings of the kingdom of God.
Both the prophet Isaiah and the psalmist envision the wonderful nature of the Lord’s rule, which is surely to come in its fullness. “[W]ith righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth” (Isaiah 11:4a). “[H]e shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor ... For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, and the oppressed who has no helper” (Psalm 72:4a, 12). From the day of the Lord’s coming forward, justice and peace shall prevail everywhere.
John the Baptist proclaims with boldness the beginning of the close of this dark age. “Repent,” he insists, “for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” “One who is more powerful than I is coming after me,” he announces. “I am not worthy to carry his sandals” (Matt. 3:2, 11). He refers, of course, to Jesus Christ, whose coming ushers in the last days. He is the root of Jesse, foretold from of old, and his ministry is literally filled with foretastes of the kingdom. He heals the sick, he comforts the oppressed, and he proclaims good news to the poor. And it is Jesus who promises that, in the interim before his coming in glory, his followers shall do greater works than his (John 14:12).
Today’s readings remind us of the glorious hope of eternal life in God’s kingdom which is ours through Christ. They also call us both to plant and to nourish its seeds in our own midst.
Look It Up
In what ways is Mark's account of the ministry of John the Baptist similar to that of Matthew? How is it different? (Mark 1:1-8)
Think About It
What are some of the seeds of the kingdom which have been planted and are blossoming in our own communities?
Next Sunday
The Third Sunday in Advent (Year A), Dec. 12, 2004
Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146 or 146:4-9; James 5:7-10; Matt. 11:2-11
