Second Saturday in Advent

Second Saturday in Advent

Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 48:1-11 (in the Apocrypha); Psalm 80:1-3,14-18; Matthew 17:9-13

Wait a minute.  Don't tell anyone until after the Human One has risen from the dead?

I know today is supposed to be about Elijah and John the Baptist, but hold on.

In Mark's version of the story of the Transfiguration, the disciples ask one another what this talk of resurrection might mean.  But Matthew cuts it out, as though he's in a hurry to get to John.  I like Mark's version better.  Jesus says he will rise from the dead, and no one blinks an eye?

The Incarnation is a scandal, a violation of the boundaries between humanity and divinity.  The Resurrection is another scandal, a violation of the boundaries between life and death.  If these don’t take your breath away, you aren’t paying attention.

Let's just honor that before we move on to John.

Let’s spend a little time off the track laid down for us by someone else’s agenda.

Every day we read some Scripture.  During the seasons of Epiphany and Pentecost, the readings pretty much flow in order, without trying to make a point.  But in Advent, in Christmas, in Lent, in Easter we are invited to walk down a definite line of thought.  That can lead to boredom, as we say, “I know the punchline to this story.”  It can lead to the tedium of knowing where we’re going when we set out.

Jesus’ time on earth was not like that.  Whether and when he knew the whole story, those walking with him had to pay attention every minute.  Every second, every day was new.  And you deserve that same newness in your encounter with Jesus in the Bible.

Spend some time today with these passages, and look for what surprises you.  Ignore the big punchline.  Where’s the little jab of insight or confusion or doubt?  Then follow that.  Don’t be afraid.  Jesus will go with you.