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The build-up to Christmas certainly stimulates our senses: the twinkling lights, scent of evergreens, sounds of bells and Christmas Carols fill the air. It is little wonder that we sometimes forget the true meaning of the season. I am reminded today of the words of Jan Richardson: “Advent days bathe us in the images of abundance and happiness, but we pray for those who do not find this time a season of goodness and light.”
On this Gaudete Sunday, we hear Isaiah speak words of hope to a fearful, hurting people. He announces that a new day is coming. Instead of a dry land there will be blossoms; instead of fear there will be new strength; where there is despair, joy and singing. Health and abilities will be restored; sorrow and mourning will be no more. And the Gospel tells us that John the Baptist led his disciples not to himself but to Jesus, who gives hope to God’s promises: those who are blind will see, those who are lame will walk, the sick will be healed, the deaf shall hear, and the poor will know the Good News. Jesus is the Good News – to the poor, the helpless, the hopeless and all wounded by life’s journey.
Today’s readings are both joyful and filled with tension. We hope the vision we see in the Gospel will become a reality. We pray that all people will experience liberation from captivity of every kind and that the Earth's resources are shared by all. We dream that hunger, alienation and violence will be no more and that all people may live with dignity as sons and daughters of God. Yet, when we look at the reality of our lives, and those of our sisters and brothers across this world we must ask the question “What does that mean for us?”
What does it mean for us to have a God that sets “the prisoners free” when our reality is a nation where millions are incarcerated? What does it mean for us to have a God that tells us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and take care of strangers, orphans and widows when in reality, we have enough resources to solve world hunger but choose not to? John's question, “Are you the one who is to come or should we look for another ?” causes me to remember the words of another prophet, Mahatma Gandhi, whose challenge to us was to “be the change you wish to see in the world.”
My prayer for all of us this day is that God’s Word will take root in us. As the Body of Christ, may we manifest the Living God in the way we live our lives.
- Helen Sanford is director of campus ministry at Immaculata High School (Somerville, NJ) and past member of the Center for FaithJustice’s Board of Trustees.
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