First Thursday in Advent

Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118:19-24; Matthew 7:21-27

So, first I have to say that we experienced a miracle of abundance yesterday.  Really.  And no, I can’t be more specific.  I just want to say that I laughed when I went back and read what I had written earlier.  May you be part of a miracle today as well.

OK, that said, today’s readings center on a different cluster of metaphors.  The image is less abundance and more strength: rather than feasting, we have rocks and walls.  Yesterday was sort of the “open door policy” of abundance: everyone come to the table, there’s enough for us all!  Today we hear about the gates and those who will be left outside.  How do these hold together?  Do they?  

It is true that abundance for all is God’s desire.  It’s true that healing and wholeness and shalom are God’s dream for us.  But it’s also true that we don’t always know how to get there, or choose to go there.  As Isaiah prophesies abundance, he also prophesies destruction for those who oppose Israel (Isaiah 25:10-12): their walls will be destroyed.  We may not want to hear those verses; the lectionary leaves them out, keeping our eyes on the promise.  But we can’t grow spiritually unless we confront our shadow, both our inner shadow and those “outside” who threaten us.  

In today’s Gospel Jesus says that many people are calling on his name, even doing wonders in his name, without actually following his way.  In today’s world, where many who call themselves “Christian” focus more on building walls and prophesying destruction than on sharing abundance, it pays to stop and look at what we think our journey with Jesus is about.  Those who call “Lord, Lord” in the Gospel are surprised to be left out; there’s always the tiny chance that just this once I’m off base too.  So what is needed, and what must be let go?

Those who cast out demons or do great deeds do not mention their need for God.  They seem to be presenting their credentials at the door, trying to qualify for entrance, rather than doing the simple but difficult things Jesus commands - praying, forgiving, trusting, doing good.  They are being fabulous, but Jesus doesn’t ask for that.  Jesus asks us to consider our weakness and brokenness, and from there to look with compassion on others who act out of theirs.

There is a time for expending our energy, for sharing and giving and doing.  But if that energy is to be part of God’s dream it must be rooted in prayer, in honest self-examination, in humility and patience.  We need boundaries to gather strength, to have something to share; and then we need wisdom to know when to let go and let the gift overflow.  “Open the gates of righteousness, that I may enter” (Ps. 118:19).

Where do you need to build or reinforce today?  How will you do that?