Second Friday in Advent

Second Friday in Advent

Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1; Matthew 11:16-19

There are so many ways to avoid transformation, to forestall the challenges of growth.  The pain is so vivid and present, the new life so nebulous.  It’s tempting to ignore the messages rather than open to the possibility of more.  When Jesus says we have to lose our life to save it, he’s taking aim at our reluctance to undergo pain in the service of abundant life.  

Here, Jesus names two of the ways we resist the invitation.  We might find the path too narrow, too burdensome; or we might, on the other hand, deny that any growth could look like fun.  What these two have in common is the denial of possibility.  

Why would we deny possibility?  Simply because walking into it involves effort.  Learning new ways to be, even ones that bring joy, is hard work.  Letting go of my identity, of the stories I tell myself about my limits or those of others, is scary.  Better to give up before I start.

There are other ways we dismiss possibility.  “If you’re so smart, why ain’t you rich?”  “That may be alright for some folks, but not for us.”  “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”  All of these, and others, are strategies for avoiding the challenge of listening and following.

You might have some favorites of your own.

As Isaiah suggests, when we make choices we live with the consequences.  If we insist on not opening to transformation, our wish will be granted.  We will wither and blow away like chaff.  It’s not punishment; it’s simple consequence.

The good news is that God is persistent.  The door to new life is always open.  

Look inside that stable.  Look in the manger.  I dare you.  There you are, radiant and beloved.