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We are well into the third week of the Advent season.
And we know that Advent is a season of waiting: Expectation, and preparation for the coming of the Messiah. But who is this messiah? The easy answer is of course: Jesus. In hindsight, we know that. But there’s a deeper meaning to this question. And it’s a question that even John the Baptist asks. In today’s Gospel: We’re transported to a time well after Jesus’ birth. To the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. John the Baptist sends his friends to ask Jesus: “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” It seems John may have doubts about the identity of Jesus. It seems he’s wondering who the messiah really is. But in the Gospel of Luke: There’s a story that takes place almost 30 years earlier: When John the Baptist jumped for joy in his mother’s womb. This was before both John and Jesus were born: When their two mothers met. And then last week: We heard John preaching, and introducing Jesus saying: “I baptize you with water for repentance: But one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” These two stories show us that John the Baptist knows perfectly well who Jesus is. So, why is he questioning in today’s Gospel reading? Why is he asking: “Who is this messiah?” One way to answer this question is to remember that at this point in the story: John is in prison. The Messiah isn’t saving him from it. The Messiah is supposed to take away the sin from the world: And yet here’s John: sitting in prison for proclaiming the good news. I can’t really blame him for doubting in such a situation. It reminds me of the famous “Doubting Thomas” in the Easter story. Who can blame Thomas for doubting: When he’s in grief and pain over the death of his friend? Both of these stories remind us that It’s a lot easier to live with certainty when things are going well. And it’s a lot easier to doubt when things get tough. Just like it’s a lot easier to celebrate Christmas: Than it is to wait patiently in advent. When Jesus hears John’s question: He answers in his usual Jesus way: By not answering directly. Jesus tells John’s disciples: “Go and tell John what you hear and see: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, The lepers are cleansed, The deaf hear, The dead are raised, And the poor have good news brought to them.” Jesus’ answer is to “Go and tell John what YOU hear and see.” Maybe John isn’t necessarily doubting. Maybe he’s just asking questions: To guide his disciples to be mindful of what Jesus does: And who Jesus is. John is asking questions to get people to pay attention: And to see and hear Jesus for themselves. I have been asking a lot of questions lately. Questions that are more about discernment: Than about who Jesus is. But deep questions none the less. In asking those questions, I have discerned that it’s time for me to leave St. John’s. My last Sunday will be January 18 th . I’m taking a full time job in an elementary school in Oshkosh. In the past year, It’s become clear to me how much I miss working with children. And in the past three months, I’ve been substitute teaching sporadically: And every day I’m in that school: My heart bursts with joy: And I see Jesus. And I’m reminded of who Jesus is: and what Jesus has done. But let me be clear: Leaving you all is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. And I know that my leaving only brings up more questions for you. But asking questions is a deeply good thing: Questions dig us out of our complacency: And allow us to see Jesus more clearly. The bishop and Canon Scott will work with you to ask the right questions. But I also know that when you’re asking questions: Theres a lack of certainty. And that often feels scary. To live in uncertainty. Sometimes that uncertainty feels unbearable. But it’s also a part of the spiritual journey. And the season of Advent reminds us that sometimes we HAVE to wait in uncertain and anxious moments before the truth comes out. And although this is hard and grueling work: But we have to heed the opening words of today’s epistle: “Be PATIENT beloved: Until the coming of the Lord.” Because despite the questions, and the uncertainty: God is still God. Jesus is still the Messiah. Christmas will still come. And we’re still going to have our Christmas party today! We’re still going to celebrate the coming of our Lord together. Because we know the answer to the question “Who is this messiah.” Even with all of the questions and uncertainty before us: God is still constant. What the messiah has done does not change: The blind still receive their sight. The lame walk. The lepers are cleansed. The deaf hear. The poor have good news brought to them. And the dead are raised. There’s no question about that. Please pray with me: Holy and gracious God, thank you for your steadfast constant goodness. Who you are never changes. Who WE are in our baptisms never changes. Remind us of your presence in our time of waiting: Show us your love in our grief and in our questioning. Open your arms wide to us: reminding us that we belong to you: And that will never change. We pray for your holy church. For all its leaders, and all it’s worshippers. We especially pray for this holy and beloved community of St. John’s. Shower us with your wisdom. And open our eyes to the path forward. We pray for all those who are suffering. For the sick, the lonely, the hungry, and the homeless. We pray for all those experiencing grief and loss: especially during this season of expectation and joy. Holy God, we pray for all who have died: that they receive peace in your eternal kingdom. Gracious God: look upon us with love, and care. Send your holy spirit upon us: that we might feel the warm relief of your comfort. And as we wait for the birth of your son, remind us that waiting is holy work, and you are with us as we wait. Amen. The Peace of the Lord be Always With you. |
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