Word to the Wise
Friday, December 9, 2016 - 2nd Week of Advent - Fri
[Isa 48:17-19 and Matt 11:16-19]FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016. FRIDAY IN THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT [Isaiah 48:17-19 and Matthew 11:16-19] "Wisdom is vindicated by her works." [Matthew] The story of Jesus' first coming can be complicated by the many expectations that surround it. There were the expectations that existed at the time he was born (and scripture scholars tell us those were many and varied). There are the many expectations expressed in the liturgical celebration of this season and Christmas/Epiphany. And there are the expectations that we all have in our own day. The gospel scripture for today has Jesus speaking to his own generation about their criticism of him and John the Baptist, noting that no matter what either of them did, people would be dissatisfied. That dissatisfaction, rooted in their expectations, would lead them to reject both John and Jesus. What expectations do WE have in this season? What do we really pray for? What is the connection between what we hope and pray for and what we really spend our time doing in this season? It's not easy to make an "intentional" Advent. Everything becomes an "event" rather than an important chapter in a larger story. We find ourselves just wanting to get the event over with so we can get back to "normal life." Advent points not just to Christmas but to Easter as well. Maybe this is all to lofty to consider, but how we celebrate this season tells us a lot about our expectations. That is where wisdom can be "vindicated." AMEN