Walking with Jesus: Third Sunday of Advent A

For December 11, 2022

Isaiah 35:1-6, 10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11

Every culture has a way of saying something that should have been easily spotted but has been missed. A colorful example is from our neighboring state, Kentucky: “If it had been a snake, it would have bit me.” As we follow our religious background and listen to the stories leading up to Jesus’ incarnation, we come to today’s insightful readings.

Isaiah has been tracing the failure of many nations including Israel, who has sought security in things … possessing things … seeking out earthy resources to secure their future instead of turning to God. He has already prophesied about the fate of Samaria, Judah (chapter 28); the fall of Jerusalem (chapter 29); the future alliance with Egypt (chapter 30); the downfall of Assyria (chapter 31); and Israel’s deliverance. What will happen If Israel changes their direction and turns to God?

Isaiah ponders this, just as Moses did when describing the Garden of Eden in Genesis: “…(T)he parched land will exult … bloom with abundant flowers … all will see the glory and splendor of God …” (Isaiah 35:1-2) As long as the people cooperate with God, their circumstances change dramatically.  At one time they were blind to the ways of the Lord; now they are aware of God’s presence, leading them on their journey with His love. When they listen with faith they will recognize God, His love and care for them. Isaiah continues to offer hope in difficult situations: “The desert and the parched land will exult … and bloom with abundant flowers.” (Isaiah 35:1-2) Isaiah expresses this in words of joy, notable achievements and strength, citing images of God’s mighty deeds from the past to provide assurances of what will be. Did they … are we ... giving credit to God?  

James continues this approach, emphasizing that one must be patient. The new Christians want things to happen now. They are very aware and expert on these now moments. “What is taking the Lord so long? Why is He delaying? What is He waiting for? I want to be with Frank, my mom said many years after my dad’s passing in ’69.” James is speaking this way because the early Christians are living in an in-between time. Jesus has died and been resurrected, and the new Christians are expecting the final coming to be happening really soon. But a number of the original followers are in prison, martyred, or have died naturally. So why is the Lord waiting so long? James encourages his audience with examples of the farmer who waits for the fruits of the earth and rain. Here, waits is not just any waiting. It is an eager waiting to welcome God’s work begun in Jesus, with the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the lame walking, the poor not living in desperation but knowing that God is with them and that their future with Him is forever. So James says to be patient and forgive each other. How am I doing with this?

Matthew continues showing how the same impatience exists with John the Baptist in prison. John is also anxious: Is Jesus the one? The Messiah? John knows his future is very short; Herod likes him but no one else does. He is hated by Herod’s wife. He wants to know, “was I right in what I said about Jesus?” King David had been the model for the future Messiah. Would the future Messiah be a warrior king? A grand liberator, successful in all his endeavors? Jesus ultimately was killed. A dead Messiah is a total contradiction in terms. So John wants to know, “Are you the one to come, or should we look for another?” (Matthew 11:3) Jesus reminds John’s followers of the predictions the prophet Isaiah made about the Messiah ... predictions we have heard in the gospels this Advent. Look what has happened: All are paradoxes. The blind see, the lame walk, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. Isaiah has envisioned a future ... a future that already has happened. Now where am I? Have I listened, learned of Jesus, believed in Him? And, am I preparing for the future with Him, God the Father and the Spirit forever? Am I planning how to survive in this troubled world?

So I reflect on:

• Why didn’t Jesus go to John? John was the messenger preparing the way. Prophets in the Bible didn’t live long lives. Their words were powerful … but John was different. Jesus said that John was more than a prophet. We know he was the final voice to announce Jesus, the Messiah. So what question do I have of Jesus?  Have my questions been answered?
• The liturgical traditions and liturgies help us to remember and give us hope so that we can cherish past, present and future as one. Am I doing this? Isn’t this what I must do?

Sacred Space 2023 states:

“God’s ways are not our ways. God is not predictable. We must be alert to the ‘signs of the times’ and accept the fact that God seems to live easily with change, and enjoys doing ‘new things.’”

“Now that you have heard, look at all this; must you not admit?
From now on I announce new things to you, hidden events of which you knew not.”
(Isaiah 48:6)