Word to the Wise
Thursday, December 11, 2008 - Thursday in the Second Week of Advent
[Isaiah 41:13-20 and Matthew 11:11-15]From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force.
This very enigmatic statement of Jesus' has been a subject of much speculation. For one thing, violence is not something that Jesus preached as a good thing! For another, how can one imagine the Kingdom of heaven being taken by force? What is there to take? I can only offer at least one meditation and hope it will stimulate others! It is difficult to understand what Jesus means by "violence" in the context of John the Baptist. John's personality and message is one that might be characterized as apocalyptic and filled with the imagery of terrible days. He aims at very basic repentance, and confronts civilian and military, rich and poor, leaders and followers alike with what they must do to escape the wrath of God! Perhaps this is what inspired the great Southern Catholic writer, Flannery O'Connor, to write her very challenging (some would say "violent" novel) THE VIOLENT SHALL BEAR IT AWAY, about an obsessed boy preacher! In her lectures and letters, she speaks to the violence in her work as the work of grace breaking through terrible resistance! Some find that image repulsive, others find it fascinating! Are we talking about some form of divine "tough love?" Even some of Ghandi's tactics were considered "violent" but were necessary to get the right attention of the South African, and then British, colonial authorities! The most peaceful and non-violent activities can be the occasion of great violence on the part of those who are threatened by them. Jesus' life and preaching are our best example! The season of Advent and today's scripture may be the occasion for us to think a bit about faith and violence. Our country has seen some terrible examples of it and the newspapers bring us more examples every day. Even if we do one or two small things to reduce the level of violence in our own country, we may be bringing the Kingdom of heaven to existence. This could be a wonderful Christmas gift to anyone! AMEN