The Second Sunday of Advent (Cycle C), Dec. 6, 2009
BCP: Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126; Philippians 1:1-11; Luke 3:1-6
RCL: Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6
 
The writer of the first lesson is appropriately named, for Baruch means “blessed.” His lesson is among the most powerfully uplifting anywhere in the cycle of Sunday readings. The author is traditionally identified as the disciple and scribe of the Prophet Jeremiah, although a case can be made that the book was composed later than his day.
 
Regardless of its authorship, the setting of the book is shortly after the looting and burning of Solomon’s Temple. This fact makes Baruch’s exultant message staggering to the point of shock. The land has been conquered by a foreign army, its king and nobles taken into captivity, its Temple razed, the populace decimated, and the survivors suffering from famine, exposure, and disease —in short, the scale of the disaster is unprecedented. In that setting is this lesson from Baruch: “Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on forever the beauty of the glory from God” (Baruch 5:1). The lesson goes on with this rhapsody of hope, deliverance and joy.
 
The alternate lesson from Malachi is far more subdued, but ends on the same note of promise: “The offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years” (Mal. 3:4). The theme of reversal of fortunes is continued in Psalm 126.
 
The selection from Paul’s letter to the Philippians is likewise rich with blessing, love and joy. He writes of “thanksgiving,” “constantly praying with joy,” the completion of God’s good work among them, and overflowing love and knowledge. Almost in passing do we note that Paul is writing from “imprisonment” and the need to defend the gospel (see verse 7). When we add to this the likelihood that the people of Philippi are particularly poor (see 2 Cor. 9, in which is described the generosity of the poverty-stricken Macedonian churches), we may conclude that here is more evidence of joy and blessing in the midst of difficulty.
 
All the lessons are tied together in the gospel, which is an account of the preaching of John the Baptist presented as fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy of the messenger in the wilderness who proclaims a deliverance so great that even hills and valleys are compelled to ease its coming.
 
Next Sunday
The Third Sunday of Advent (Cycle C), Dec. 13, 2009
BCP: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Psalm 85 or 85:7-13 or Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7(8-9); Luke 3:7-18
RCL: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18
 
Think About It
Are we more likely to receive and recognize a blessing from God in a time of prosperity or disaster? Why is this so?
 
Look It Up

Reflect on how Malachi 3:3 offers a compelling and unique addition to the overall theme of today’s lessons.

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