Our expectation of joy is not just for the future, but for now as well
The balance presented in the Scriptures for the Third Sunday of Advent gives us great direction about where we ought to be in our preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus. If we follow this invitation, we will find ourselves well-prepared for this coming celebration.
The prophet Zephaniah invites us to exalt and be glad because God has removed the judgment against us. We are encouraged to rejoice and not be discouraged, for our savior is in our midst. Let’s pause for a moment to consider if we act as if our savior is in our midst. We have many places in which we can recognize Him: the breaking of the bread, the sharing of the word, the gathering of His people, in the people around us who are blind, lame, poor or rejected. Are our eyes open?
In the Gospel passage, John the Baptist gives us direction about how to notice the presence of the savior among us more clearly: Take the extra cloak and give it to one who has none; stop collecting more than we need; be satisfied when we have enough. Those practices allow us to see God’s presence more clearly. Our vision is less clouded.
In terms of expectations, it is time for all of us to do a gut check. Are we expecting doom and gloom? Are we allowing life’s disappointments to rob us of God’s promise? Are we allowing the present suffering and disillusionment to take away God’s eternal promise? It is important that suffering people weep and grieve over the loss of what we expected to happen, but this is not a place to become paralyzed. Our expectation of joy is not just for the future, but for now as well.
I’m hoping that we’re all familiar with a spiritual practice that has been around for a long time. It is especially useful in times of sadness, loss and disillusionment. It is certainly helpful to do this not just as a mental exercise but as a way to understand the presence of God more deeply. It is good to do as part of meditation and prayer so that we consciously connect with our God who loves us. Acknowledging loss, pain and disillusionment, we are asked to remember that pattern of loss that has been a part of our lives. Every one of us has or is going through this. Remember any past experiences of loss that have brought a deep sense of gratitude and understanding. There is gold to be found in the wound. Time carries us through living, dying and rising. This is the rhythm of life that Jesus so greatly exemplified for us.
As we live these moments of Advent, know that our savior walks with us, talks with us and can be a constant source of companionship and healing. May that gift of Jesus, which we anticipate and celebrate, be a real part of your everyday life, all year long.
Father Donald Wester is retired and serves as lecturer of homiletics at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary.
