Word to the Wise
Sunday, December 2, 2007 - First Sunday of Advent
[Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44]O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
There are so many ways to understand "light!" There is electric light, sunlight, moonlight, starlight! There is the "light" that goes on in our consciousness when we begin to understand something. Indeed, for the visually impaired person, light takes on a very poignant and profoundly interior meaning! This is closer to what the scriptures are holding for us on this First Sunday of Advent. When Isaiah exhorts us to "walk in the light of the Lord!" we are challenged to look not into exterior darkness but interior darkness. That darkness is not just personal but it may be collective and international. We witness constantly the interior darkness of fear that gives rise to war and genocide. On a more personal basis, interior darkness gives rise to abuse and addiction and domestic violence. St. Paul calls attention to the light of faith which should lead us to "cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" and to "conduct ourselves properly as in the day." This is the way of living that is characteristic of one who is identified with Christ. Our very way of life should give off the light of the gospel. It places us in a position of preparedness as recommended by Jesus in today's gospel! In short, we begin Advent this year by turning on the light to see the way ahead. The season presents emotional and spiritual challenges that may confront us with our own interior darkness or that of the world around us. Our challenge as Christians is to "turn on the light." Lighting the first candle on the wreath can be our first reminder! AMEN
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