First Sunday of Advent: Keep Alert: God is Seeking Us in the Work of Equality for All

Today's Scripture Readings

Mark 13:24-37 (NRSV)

Jesus said to his disciples, "In those days, after that suffering,

the sun will be darkened,

and the moon will not give its light,

and the stars will be falling from heaven,

and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Then they will see `the Son of Man coming in clouds' with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."

But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake-- for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."

Blog Reflection

This past Thanksgiving Day I read a terrific reflection on Mark 6:6.  It is the story of Jesus preaching in the synagogue in his own home town of Nazareth.  Upon hearing Jesus' words the people standing around remark: "Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses?"  In the reflection I read this past Thursday was the following:

"Exploring God's wisdom in whatever sort of clothing it comes to you requires faith and humility.  Pray for both of these virtues."  (Bible Day by Day, Catholic Publishing Company, page 173).

As we begin the new Liturgical Year with this First Sunday of Advent, we are told by Jesus to beware and keep alert.   What is it we are keeping alert for? 

The Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Pagano suggests that Jesus is telling us to be watching for God, because God is the only real something or someone that can truly give us fulfillment.

We are all searching for something or someone. Not just the small things, like our house keys or a parking space, but also bigger things, deeper things, people, places, and relationships that we hope will fulfill us, bring us joy, grant us peace. Many people are searching for a job, but also more than a job, for the sense of purpose and value and security the hoped-for job will bring. Many people are searching for wisdom, but also more than just an education, for the sense of truth and goodness and direction that we hope real wisdom will bring. Many people are searching for relationships, but also more than Mr. or Mrs. Right, for the sense of fulfillment and flourishing we hope loving and being loved will bring. We are all searching for something or someone.

But experience teaches us that that something or someone is elusive. We photograph the perfect sunset, but when we look at the pictures later, it looks rather ordinary. The excitement of a new career settles into the humdrum of a job. The first flush of a new relationship turns into coordinating schedules and dates. Even when we find what we think we are looking for, we may find the experience quite exquisite but also leaving us unsatisfied.

That is why spiritual writers tell us that what we are all searching for, whether we realize it or not, is God. The longed-for thing or person who will ultimately fulfill us, bring us joy, and grant us peace is God. Everything else, even the exquisitely true and good and beautiful things of this life, will leave us unsatisfied at some level. Life is transient, and we continue our search for true fulfillment and flourishing and love.

The New American Bible uses the words: "Be watchful. Be alert" in place of "Beware keep alert."


Living Liturgy: Spirituality, Celebration and Catechesis for 2012 provides the following reflection.

Jesus' admonition "Be watchful! Be alert!" was spoken to hearers holding heightened expectation that the Messiah was about to come to restore Israel to its former power, wealth and glory.  However, in this case, rather than opening them to new possibilities, the expectation Jesus' hearers narrowed their vision.  Their limited expectations prevented them from recognizing Jesus as the Messiah already among them.  Jesus was just not the one they were expecting.  After all, none of us looks to a carpenter if we are expecting a Messiah.  Or do we?


If we expect Christ's presence, we will find it because God is always present to us. "God is faithful" (second reading: 1 Corinthians 1: 3 -9).  From the beginning of time God has wrought "awesome deeds we could not hope for" (First Reading: Isaiah 64: 1-9, in this reflection, Isaiah 63: 16b-17, 19b are included).  God has "enriched [us] in every way" and assured us that we "are not lacking in any spiritual gift" (second reading).  One challenge of being watchful and alert is that we open our eyes to the simple, everyday ways God is present to us with gifts we cannot even imagine.  An attitude of watchfulness and alertness increases our expectation so that we are far more able to recognize God's presence in the goodness people and events reveal. (Living Liturgy is published by Liturgical Press, this quote is found on page 2).

Our Advent season is a time to be on the lookout for God.  Advent is about remembering that Christ who came once in history, and comes to use spiritually and in the Sacraments, will also come in glory. 


The Rev. Dr. Pegano again gives us some valuable insight.

The story of Advent is not a story of a God waiting to see if we human beings will finally figure it out and find God. The story of Advent is that God comes to us, and better yet, that God has already found us. We may feel like we are always looking for something or someone, but the Good News of Advent is that God has already come to us, is coming to us, and will keep coming to us.

Our problem even in this 21st Century is that Christians continue to look for God is to be ready to receive God as God actually is.

As we are seeing in the Occupy movement, God is not all in all among those who are considered as part of the 1%.  Wealth, political power and prestige are not a sign of superiority when it comes to finding God.  God seeks us out so that we will seek God in those people and places where humankind least expects to encounter God.

God is among the poor and the economically oppressed.

God is present and weeping as the students at UC Davis were being pepper sprayed.

Somehow God is speaking to all of us through the stories of individuals who are deliberately violated such as the 19 year old woman in Seattle who while pregnant, was beaten in the stomach and pepper sprayed to the point that she miscarried.  Yet, while God is there, the so called "pro-life" movement remains silent.  

An Evangelical Mom who held the belief that one could not be gay and Christian at the same time, suddenly changed her heart and mind because she became close friends of a lesbian fellow hiker.  The lesbian friend told her stories to the Bible believing mother.  This incredible woman named Kathy Baldock is now a witness to the Gospel of how the Holy Spirit can change our hearts to be a faithful apostle in the work of healing the wounds between Christians and LGBT people.  

God is searching for us in the work of equality for all of God's people.  This Advent is an opportunity for all of us to be open to encountering the living God who revealed God's Self in Jesus Christ on that first Christmas morning.   We can meet God not only on Christmas Day, but every day and every moment. 

Fr. Albert Holtz, OSB wrote in his book From Holidays to Holy Days; A Benedictine Walk through Advent:

For a Christian, life is made up of unique moments, each one a kairos (time or season), an opportunity that will never come again.  Every task we start, every decision we make, whether trivial or great, is a special time, a chance to build up the kingdom.  Every encounter with another person is a unique kairos, a season for loving. 9Pages 5 & 6).

The questions that might want to ask ourselves includes, are we prepared to accept Christ coming to us as he actually is, or do we have expectations as to who and how Christ will be when he appears to us?  

When Jesus comes to us in that someone who is different than how we think a person or people should be, do we welcome Jesus or are we just a little bit suspicious by how Christ present in someone who dresses, behaves, reasons and loves in a unique way? 

Are we prepared to do something for Jesus who seeks us out to feed him and welcome him in the stranger, the homosexual, the lesbian, bisexual and transgender without expecting Jesus to be any different or to become something or someone that Jesus is not?

Advent is a great time to explore these and other questions as God searches for us, while we are aware and watching for God to reveal God's Self to us.


Prayers

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Collect for the First Sunday of Advent, Book of Common Prayer, page 211).


Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen. (Prayer for the Church, Book of Common Prayer, page 816)

Almighty God, who created us in your own image: Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Prayer for Social Justice, Book of Common Prayer, page 260).

Could St. Monnica Be An Example of a PFLAG Member?

Scriptural Basis

John 16:20-24

Jesus said, "Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. When a woman is in labor, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete."

Blog Reflection

One of the most inspiring organizations in the LGBT communities is PFLAG (Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians and Gays).  This highly controversial group assists the parents, family and friends of LGBT people cope with the struggle to accept their LGBT friends and family members.  It is a place where they can openly talk about and learn about the struggles of LGBT people and receive support during their time of transitioning as well as facing the conflicts that exist within families and friendships.

As difficult as coming out is for those who are LGBT people, it is also equally if not more difficult for families and friends to come to terms with their own fears and ignorance about LGBT people.  When a gay youth comes out to his mother, she is confronted with many emotions that only a mother knows.  If she has a strong conservative religious background she is more likely to reject her son and not seek help.  Eventually she may turn to PFLAG and get some help to move her to a place of acceptance.

In other situations a daughter may come out to both mother and father as a lesbian.  The entire family might attend PFLAG as they struggle with how to communicate their feelings with the lesbian daughter.  They will need to confront their own fears with other members of their extended family and community as they realize how much the daughter will suffer under social, political and religious based oppression.

All of these and many more are why PFLAG is such a wonderful and important organization for the LGBT communities.

I know all too well that St. Augustine is rightfully to blame for much of the homophobia in the Christian Church for many centuries.  And his mother prayed for his conversion while it is said that Augustine was quite promiscuous.

What if we can take a page from Monnica here not paying too much attention to the conservatives who insist on making her and Augustine the reason for blatant discrimination and religious based spiritual violence, and chose to change the story just a bit.  What if we were able to look at Monnica from our own point of view and see in her a PFLAG person worried about what might happen to their LGBT family or friend should the marriage amendment in Minnesota and Pennsylvania be passed by the voters in 2012?  May be perhaps we can relate to the parent who is so worried about their son getting HIV/AIDS or being beaten up by a bunch of Christianist thugs.  Perhaps we can understand the feelings of an uncle who is keeping his lesbian niece away from her abusive father who beats her up or molests her thinking he is going to change her orientation.   What about someone who is harboring a Ugandan refugee in the United States who faces deportation because of the USA's immigration gestapo?

In what ever situation we or our friends might find us, persistence in prayer is a very wonderful and wise way to deal with the evils of this world.

Prayer is both wonderful and mysterious.  At times it can feel as if prayer is only disappointing us.  Especially when we are dealing with religious based bigotry that is so destructive to the spiritual well being of another person.

In a newspaper in Winona, Minnesota the author writes about the move by Minnesota's GOP to push a constitutional amendment against marriage equality for same-sex couples.

Don't let politicians fool you: This has nothing to do with married folks. We can assure you married heterosexual couples - in the states that have legalized gay marriage - are still carrying on.

In fact, marriage is probably more threatened by the economy, or health care or any other number of topics that introduce stress into a relationship than whether two other people can or cannot obtain a piece of paper.

More importantly, legislators in Minnesota are hiding behind some empty rhetoric about allowing voters to decide an issue the overwhelming number of Minnesotans have never asked about.

That is: The vast number of citizens hasn't demanded a referendum on the issue or sought to put it into the Constitution. This is politically motivated ploy and a ham-handed way for the Republican bullies to force the divisive issue.

Thank the Republicans for making this a wedge issue when all eyes have been on the budget.
It also allows legislators to turn the incredibly charged issue over to the voters without having to reveal their own thinly cloaked bigotry.

The message the GOP is sending gays and lesbians could not be clearer.

We like you (or are at least forced to say that for the cameras) - just not as much as straight people.

This new movement isn't just legislation to define marriage.

It's legislation to prove we're bigoted.

This isn't Minnesota nice - it's Minnesota malicious.

I am very grateful to those who wrote this article, to express an unfortunate and sad truth.

It is moves like this by those who feel that they are doing a good moral thing, when in fact they are promoting something truly awful, that can crush a persons entire life. Spiritual and personal.  Imagine how much this sort of thing also weighs on a parent, family or friend of an LGBT person.

Nevertheless, St. Monnica reminds us that prayer may be difficult, but it is not a dead end. If we can persist in prayer and trust in God to give us the presence of our Mother the Holy Spirit, it is possible to be victorious even in the face of disappointment, failure and grief.

May we all support each other with our prayers in what ever tradition we happen to be part of. So that all religious and political based bigotry might one day not exist.

Prayers

O Lord, through spiritual discipline you strengthened your servant Monnica to persevere in offering her love and prayers and tears for the conversion of her husband and of Augustine their son: Deepen our devotion, we pray, and use us in accordance with your will to bring others, even our own kindred, to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect for St. Monnica, Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 359).

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, page 815).