Word to the Wise
Thursday, December 1, 2011 - 1st Week of Advent - Thurs
[Isa 26:1-6 and Matt 7:21, 24-27,264]Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord!" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
Many years ago, when I was a seminarian, I heard a song sung by a folksinger named Melanie in which she sings about those who just "wear the company outfit, and sing the company song." That phrase has stayed with me as a description of those who make a point of religious appearances but not of actions. Isaiah constantly criticizes the religious figures of his own day for their ritual observances that mask their oppression of the poor and needy. Jesus words to us in the gospel scripture for today show that he, too, had little patience for "the company outfit" and the "company song" when there was no care for others.
The incredible hoopla about holiday shopping and its impact on "the economy," seems to glorify buying as an almost religious act! But, if we forget the poor and needy in this season of consumption, how can we proclaim "Joy to the world?" Those who work in pastoral ministry or counseling services know how difficult this time of year can be on those who lack basic resources such as shelter, food, employment, access to health care. The spirit of giving is more in keeping with the gospel when it is from "have to have-not" than from "have to have-more." If we are hearing Jesus' words and want to build our house on "rock," we need to look beyond wearing the Christmas "outfit" and singing the Christmas "song." AMEN