This is Week Two in Advent, Week Two of waiting, longing, rejoicing. The readings are wonderful. We hear that we should take off the garment of sorrow and affliction and instead don forever the beauty of the glory from God. In fact, the reading from Baruch seems perfect for the celebration of Hanukkah with its promise that God will lead Israel with joy, in the light of his glory.
The Psalm is a joyful reminder that this is not a sad time, but a celebratory event. The tears are spent; now is the time to return with shouts of joy. This business of readying must include recognizing all the good that God has done and will continue to do for us. As we hear in the second reading from Philippians, our love should overflow. We will be given full insight for discernment and are expected to reaming pure and blameless. The Incarnate One is coming. We must be able to recognize the Disguised One now in those around us, and how better to greet this One then with shouts of joy.
I suppose another way might be the method John the Baptist uses in the Gospel reading. Prepare the way! Our voices might seem like we cry out in the wilderness in today's world. Our voices might fall on ears unwilling and unable to hear us. However, the carrots that John dangles are exquisite: crooked made straight, valleys filled, mountains made low, all flesh shall see salvation. That would still be a reason to shout for joy.
I try not to get too attached to my cloak of sorrow. I love the concept of wearing the beauty of glory forever. Perhaps part of preparing the way is rooting out the afflictions and at least tentatively trying on the glory. Can we wait with such a thought as our reality?
Peace,
Suzanne
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