Kingdom Come!

Our Gospel today pays John an extremely impressive compliment. Jesus says of him: “Among those born of women, there is none greater than John the Baptist.” That is a remarkable claim. John was greater than Alexander who conquered the world, greater than Abraham the father of Israel, even greater than Moses the giver of the law. He was great, not because he was exceptionally intelligent, successful, or holy, but because he saw his duty and did it.  John was the greatest person who ever lived---except for you and me!

Jesus said that we would do even greater things, not because we are exceptionally intelligent, successful, or holy, nor because we do our duty, but because we belong to God. Imagine our calling is greater than John and all the others because Jesus can transform our lives.  We know the choice John made and the cost Jesus paid. This Advent, we renew the choice and the cost for us.

This is a calling that opens eyes, ears, arms, and tongues. This calling means food for the hungry, justice for the oppressed, protection for strangers, freedom for captives, and lifting up those in distress.  It was Jesus who affirmed that any power indifferent to despair and oppression, even religious power, is perverse power. This call is issued to us through the Church to address the needs of the hungry, the oppressed, the displaced, and the marginalized. That means that the Church must not waste its energy and resources on any activity that does not affect the lives of the poor, or risk working against the Jesus whom we await.  It has often been said that if you want to really determine what any organization stands for, follow the money.  Groups can write wonderful mission statements and adopt prophetic goals and objectives, but where the money goes reflects the real interest of the group.

In our second reading, the letter of James heard this weekend, we hear him urge us: “Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord.” We patiently wait well if we address the needs of the homeless, the hungry and the victims of injustice no matter the cost. It is this quality of waiting and preparing that reflects our 21st Century mission.  In 1992, the bishops of the U.S. issued a statement entitled, “Justice in the World,” which said in part: “…the church’s mission is for the redemption of the human race and its liberation from every oppressive situation.  …It nonetheless has proper and specific responsibility which is identified with its mission of giving witness before the world of the need for the love and justice contained in the Gospel message…”

This was indeed the witness Jesus gave and the face that he reflected to all whom he met. He was lover and healer, brother and servant. In a recent comment, Pope Francis said:  “In all places and circumstances, Christians are called to hear the cry of the poor.” That is our challenge today. It is difficult work but work that must continue by adopting what spiritual writer Ronald Rolheiser calls, “a mellowness of spirit that can continue to grow without becoming angry or bitter or apathetic.” We can do it because we, even the least of us, are destined for the kingdom.                                                                                                 

----Deacon Wilson Shierk