Readings for Advent 3A: Is. 35:1-10;
James 5:7-10; Mt. 11:2-11
December 16, 2001
The Rev. Karen Siegfriedt
St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church, Cupertino,
CA
Imagine a time when nation will not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more. (Is.2) Imagine a time when the oldest of enemies become best of friends; when the wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard lie down with the kid, and a little child shall lead them. (Is.11) Imagine a time when humanity is at one, when there are no borders to protect or self-interests to fight for. (Is.2) Imagine a time when healing and compassion become dominant themes such that the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the fearful relieved, the poor fed, and all people are given the opportunity to live a full life. (Is. 35, Mt.11) Imagine a time when there is no longer a need for religious teachings; a time when God's law will not need to be inscribed in books because it will be inscribed in the hearts of people such they will live in harmony with each other. (Jer.31) Imagine a time when we care for the earth as we care for ourselves such that the discouraged wilderness blossoms and flourishes and is restored to full function. (Is. 35)
If you can imagine a time when all creation is made new, when humans and non-humans are gathered together in thanksgiving and singing and rejoicing, then you have an understanding of God's vision for this world. This vision is an alternative to despair and cynicism and to our modern sense that no real newness is possible. It is this vision we proclaim during the season of Advent. Today is Stir Up Sunday. It is the day on which we begin our service with a prayer asking God to "stir up" and come among us with great power. We pray for God's power and assistance in making creation new because we who have been wounded by others and hindered by our own sins, can not do it alone. Today's readings have a vivid sense that God's coming will be profoundly transformative. How will that happen?
Throughout the centuries we have heard prophetic voices which speak to a world order where justice and peace are realized through the social, economic, and political structures on earth. In this scheme, political leaders, kings and presidents, are filled with a sense of God's justice, compassion, and altruism such that they allow all citizens to live in dignity and freedom. We have seen great progress in this area during this century, especially in First World countries. Feudalism, slavery, dictatorships are things of the past and human rights are the way of the present. But if we were to look outside at the Third World countries, we would notice a different story. Starvation, homelessness, the trafficking of women and children, slavery, brutality, war, injustice, and oppression crop up in every corner. Can all creation be made anew?
Throughout the centuries, there have been voices from the Wisdom Tradition. These voices speak to a time in the future; a time when we will live in harmony with one another through the evolution of consciousness, wisdom, and love. This was the dominant voice during The Age of Reason. We have seen great progress in this arena over the past three centuries. Many individuals have advanced from the survival mode to the stages of self-esteem and self-actualization. Others have searched the depths of their souls, seeking that love and peace which passes all human understanding. Some have dedicated themselves to the field of science and technology, providing us with tools, instruments, knowledge, and medical advances that have made life on earth easier and longer. But if we were to be truly honest, we cannot forget how World War I and World War II challenged this progression. How could a nation such as Germany (with the best and the brightest minds in the world) have started two World Wars that destroyed millions of people and cause great suffering for many more millions? Can creation be made anew?
There is another voice that has spoken through the centuries, perhaps a bit softer but consistent nevertheless. This voice doubts that a political solution or the evolution of consciousness will bring about a new creation. It bases its position on the realization that our passions are far stronger than our knowledge in determining our behavior and that human beings are basically selfish, sinful, and deceive themselves. Having observed at least 4000 years of history, this voice sees no evidence that humanity has permanently evolved. Thus, its hope for the future is based on an apocalyptic intervention, where good will reign over evil only after profound, intrusive, world shaking events, that will permanently get people's attention.
This is the voice of apocalyptic eschatology: (i.e) that time in the future, when God will defeat the powers of death and destruction that destroy the creatures of God and will give full life to those who are committed to love. Some believe that this final consummation, this final judgment, will happen within the physical world while others believe it will happen in another dimension. This other dimension is often expressed under the categories of heaven and hell. Those who cannot comprehend the incredible evil deeds that have been committed on earth, find some solace in a justice system of a heaven and hell.
The other day, I received a letter from a friend who is visiting Cambodia. She reports that those who actually lived through the cruel regime of the Khmer Rouge, no longer have the capacity to dream. These Cambodians are simply existing, putting one foot ahead of the other. I also read an article in the paper about one woman's work to stop child prostitution in Nepal. Since most of the families (especially the girls) are uneducated, they are easily lured into promises of a better life in India. One procurer's method was to say he wanted to marry the little girl and take her away on a honeymoon. By the time he was arrested, he had forced about 1400 girls into prostitution. The world is indeed in need of salvation. So what needs to happen before creation is made anew?
I don't know all the answers but my hunch is, that we need something profound to happen to get our attention. I guess the events of September 11th got our attention for awhile but what happens after Bin Laden is captured and the stock market returns to normal? Will we continue to be as aware, as open, as generous, as compassionate in helping those who live in darkness and turmoil? Or, will we go back to normal and focus only on our small circle of friends? The apocalyptic voice says that something far greater than September 11th needs to happen before humanity will focus itself on God. It will require the second coming of Christ- not in the small still voice of one's heart, but in the earthquake of justice.
Now I don't believe that God is some person up in the sky sending out lightening bolts. Nor do I believe that God is making a list, checking it twice, going to find out who's naughty or nice. But I do believe that God is at the center of creation, the greening power, the creative force of love, saying "yes" to life, and working to bring all creation into harmony. I also believe that this power, this Word of God, became incarnate in the person of Jesus. Through Jesus' words, works, and spirit, we now know a path which we can follow to help make all creation new. It is the path of love, justice, mercy, forgiveness, generosity, and compassion. It is the path that we who have been baptized have promised to follow.
Some people have asked me why I have such an urgency to spread the gospel- why I have such an urgency to gather together people from outside into Christian community. Just look around and see the tremendous suffering and distress in the world. Doesn't it make you weep? I believe that the path that was shown to us by Jesus, is the path to salvation. There may be other paths, but this is the path that I know and am committed to. It is the path to justice and peace. It is the path of inclusiveness and compassion. It is the path that can make all creation new. May this season of Advent, inspire you to walk this path and to invite others to join in. Let the spirit of Christ be re-ignited in your heart. And then, just imagine what can happen!
(After the silence, the song, Imagine, by John Lennon is played.)
| Updated 12/17/01 |
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