Second Saturday in Advent

Haggai 2:1-9; Rev. 3:1-6; Matthew 24:1-14

Two readings about the temple in Jerusalem: two temples, in fact.  The temple built by Solomon was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE.  The second temple was completed in 515 BCE, and was a focus of domination and resistance between the Judeans and their various rulers until the Romans destroyed it in 70 CE.

Here in Haggai we hear about the building of the second temple.  The prophet promises prosperity and splendor.  The splendor took centuries to achieve, during the reign of Herod in 20 BCE.  The prosperity never really came for most people, as we might expect for a colonized, subjugated people.  But still, it must have been impressive: Jesus’ disciples are impressed.  

Jesus is not impressed by the temple buildings.  The Gospels present him as predicting the destruction of the temple, a destruction that the evangelists had seen as they wrote.  But there’s more to Jesus’ lack of interest here than prediction.  

Jesus is not trying to build big buildings.  He did not become incarnate to bring material splendor and prosperity.  He came, he comes, to people who lack these; he comes to those who are looking beyond that.  He doesn’t settle for the first door, the first reward I mentioned yesterday.  He’s bringing the morning star.

Today many mainline Christians are seeing the destruction of their temples.  The buildings designed for splendor, that advertised prosperity, are falling into disrepair.  Congregations are falling into disrepair as well, often by trying to hang onto the buildings past their time.  And God knows, there are wars and rumors of wars.  There are false prophets, and increased lawlessness.  It’s a great time to be faithful!  I mean that.  The splendor is gone, the false incentives to “worship.”  What remains is the good news of the kingdom, announced by Jesus.  

Barn's burnt down --

now

I can see the moon.

Mizuta Masahide