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 DECEMBER 14, 2013  ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS, OCD

 

     "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"  He said in reply, "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased.  So will the Son of Man suffer at their hands." 

 

     The question asked by the disciples reflected a belief that was common about the coming of the Messiah.  Since the scribes were the ones who knew how to read and had access to texts, they would be debating and teaching about their expectations.  These expectations did not include someone like John the Baptist or Jesus of Nazareth.  Both would be put to death by political appointees -  Herod and Pontius Pilate - because Jesus and John represented a threat to their power!  What had really happened is that the scribes were, ironically, correct but had missed the big event.  Elijah had returned but had not fulfilled the scribal expectations.  The Messiah had also come and, again, had not met those expectations about restoring the "kingdom of Israel."  Instead,he brought a completely different kind of kingdom!

 

     Advent is a time of spiritual anticipation and expectation!  What do we expect when we look at the nativity scene that will be somewhere in our Christmas decorations?  Are our expectations focused on the gifts under the tree?  Is Advent simply a shift in mood or decorations?  Sad to say, many, like the scribes, miss the boat every year in this season because their expectations lie elsewhere.  Others, because of family problems, health problems, employment problems, finance problems are overwhelmed and become depressed and lose hope!  If we can find a way to radiate that hope in this season, we will give a gift that is worth more than any paper-wrapped present.  We will put "skin" on Christmas!  AMEN