Where is that the great transformation?
Here we are in week three of Advent – this time of waiting and preparing for Christ in history (Christmas), while paying attention to Christ in mystery (the ongoing work of Christ today), and looking ahead to Christ in majesty (when all God hopes for this world is fulfilled). What is it we are looking for this Advent?
We
join John the Baptiser asking the big Advent question, “Are you the one or
should we wait for another?” There are a number ways we can read that question.
Is he doubting Jesus, tis wasn’t what he
expected. Or is he just wondering, looking for a quiet affirmation that he is
the one. Or is he having his mind blown and seeing his hopes for the messiah
completely reframed in a good way. And in light of that what do we hear as we
listen to Jesus’ response? A list of medical miracles? A call out of exile? A
healing of the fabric of their community that had been the breeding ground for
so much ill health. A fresh way of seeing God at work in the world?
He
promises so much – that the reign of God has broken upon us. But in this world
of injustice, climate change, war, exploitation, scarcity, and deepening
divisions, it is sometimes difficult to see evidence that the reign of God and the
promised great transformation is truly underway. This Sunday, as we again pray
– “Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven” we affirm that
Jesus is the one through whom God’s will is done. As we say it, even when we
struggle to believe it, we are invited live out the will of God, the joy,
peace, hope and love of God in the here and now, so that the great
transformation might continue around us.
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