Haggai 2:1-19
Psalms 30, 32, 42, 43
Revelations 3:1-6
Matthew 24:1-14
'Tis a good thing that, during Advent, the lectionary includes readings pointing us to the return of Jesus. Otherwise, we might never think about it. Consider… when was the last time you thought seriously about Jesus' second coming?
Sure, we roll our eyes when odd people make foolish predictions. And, we are skeptical of those who pull out maps and Bible passages claiming that ancient prophecies are now being fulfilled. Beyond that though, how much real thought have you given to the final part of the proclamation, "Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again"?
For most of us, I suspect the answer is very little. And that is too bad. For the return of Jesus is good news; it is gospel. It is God's ultimate answer to everything bad in life. Let me explain.
When Jesus came to earth the first time, his mission was to suffer and die for the sins of the world. Now, for Christians, death is not the end but rather a type of new birth. Thank you, Jesus!
That is great. But this world - the here and now - is a mess. There are terrorists, tyrants, droughts, tsunamis, corruption, economic problems and disease. No one is immune or insulated from it.
The issue is obvious. If God is good and all powerful, how can there be so much suffering? This is a complex theological and existential problem. But one thing is for sure. The Bible teaches that the return of Jesus will mark the end of suffering. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
But what until then? The world is still a mess. Are we to resign ourselves to universal suffering and wait passively for the glorious return of Jesus?
Of course not. This is where we come in. Part of our calling as Christians is to address suffering of all sorts (physical, emotional, spiritual). In practical terms, this means telling the Christian story to others, buying mosquito nets, feeding the hungry, digging wells, visiting the infirm, caring for the dying. No one is called to all of these, but each of us is called to do something.
Our reading from Matthew, therefore, raises an important question. Since no one knows when Jesus will return (it could happen before you finish this sentence … or not), will we be doing what we are called to do when he does finally return? Or will we simply live life, doing our own thing? Read the passage; then decide.
Yes, 'tis a good thing that the lectionary for Advent includes such passages.
Fr. Bob Henson