Sunday Reflections

It seems to me that Advent is a time of contrasts and reversals. Dark and light, repentance and hope, the lowly lifted up and the mighty cast down.

Today’s readings follow that pattern of opposites. We have images of violence: the axe, the winnowing fork and the cleansing fire. We also have images of peace: the wolf lying down with the lamb, and the weak and the needy saved. Can these two opposites both be true? How can they be reconciled?

First, we must remember that in God, all things are possible.

John the Baptist was a great prophet who spoke truth to power. The Sadducees were wealthy aristocrats who had power but didn’t follow the written law very well. Hypocrites, in other words. The Pharisees were rule-oriented. They added so many burdensome rules that they turned the law into a weapon to be used against its true purpose of justice. Both were compared to vipers.

John the Baptist still speaks to us today. During this time of Advent, we are called to reflect on how we act like Sadducees or Pharisees in our personal and social lives. Do we feel that we are better than others because we worked work and had great success? Do we condemn people of other faiths? Have we added so many routines to our Christmas preparations that we have lost sight of the simple babe in a manger? Do we live our faith in our daily interactions with others?

Isaiah also speaks to us today. His images of God’s peaceful kingdom give us hope in this time of war, conflict and violence. Isaiah tells us to have faith. Our God is a God of mercy and righteousness and peace. By seeking right relationships with God, our neighbour (including those with whom we disagree) and all of creation, we can help bring about God’s will on earth.

When we light our Advent candle each night, let us take time to reflect on how well we are in right relationships in all three areas. Are there habits we need to winnow out of our life to make more time for God? Are there people we need to reach out to? Do we consider creation justice as we make our Christmas purchases? Searching for fair trade products and shopping locally can make a difference. Every small action we take strengthens our faith, gives us hope and helps bring about God’s plan for peace and justice.