NOTE: Throughout the Advent season, we’ll post a reflection on the readings for the upcoming Sunday in Advent just a few days before so individuals and groups can reflect in anticipation or incorporate it into their meetings, homilies, etc. The reflection will be available on our homepage through the weekend and then archived on our Advent 2024 webpage.
The reflection below is written by Tom Cordaro from the 2000 Advent reflection booklet, “Seeing Signs and Wonders.” This year’s booklet is still available for purchase at this link as an immediate download for your tablet or e-reader for $2.50.
by Tom Cordaro
Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace
Originally published in 2000
Zephaniah 3:14-18 | Philippians 4:4-7 | Luke 3:10-18
Zephaniah preached toward the end of Judah’s glory days. One of his main themes was what he called “the day of God” which emphasized the belief that God would step out from behind the scene and both judge the nation and provide hope for the remnant of Israel. The “day of God” represented the in-breaking of God’s plan for humanity outside the progress of history.
It is especially hard for “modern” people to comprehend the meaning of this “day of God.” since the beginning of the last century we have been filled with unbounded hope in the notion of scientific progress. For most, this idea of progress has been elevated to the status of theology. It is the belief in the steady uninterrupted evolution of science and knowledge leading to better and better lives. Many have come to think of it as a law of nature.
In the face of this belief system, the testimony of scripture makes two assertions. First, that redemption will be realized in history because God is the primary actor in history. Second, that we cannot control the way God works in history.
Could it be that we no longer experience God as the primary actor in history because we no longer look for redemption outside the “natural law” of progress? Have we caged God in a box that only allows God to act on the small stage of our personal lives?
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul addresses a community suffering anxiety and uncertainty about their newfound faith. Paul, himself in prison with an uncertain future, exhorts the Philippians to rejoice in God and dismiss all anxiety. Paul is sure of who is in charge. This hope is not rooted in the present circumstances of his life, but in the belief that the facts are not the last word
In today’s gospel reading, the people were full of anticipation, wondering if John was the Messiah. Their anticipation is good, but John cautions them that they’re waiting is not yet over. Are we modern sophisticated people capable of this kind of grand anticipation or do we nurture anemic anticipation limited to personal salvation and good fortune for our loved ones? What size is the canvas we have given to God to paint a dream for humanity? What kind of signs and wonders are we looking for this Advent season?
Thanks Tom for an eye opener. Could it be that we are the canvas and that God works through each of us, provided however we submit to God. These crazy times are evidence that this submission isn’t present especially in people of power. And we Pray and petition them to Wake Up!
Both Tom and Donald write smartly about the movement of God into people’s awareness (or lack of it). A scientific viewpoint, like Ilia Delio’s, gives us the big picture, suggesting God is always in motion and humankind is a key factor in God’s cosmic, though not predictably mechanistic evolution toward Omega. Jesus advised us to watch the signs of the times, and Paul wrote that now is the crucial moment. In humility, I ask that I might hear the call or whisper, catch the hint, not hide from the evident sign. and dispose myself to say, “yes” thankfully and joyfully, and–if necessary–courageously.