Daily Advent Reflection: December 12
Second Saturday of Advent
Psalms 30, 32 · 42, 43
Isa. 8:1-15
2 Thess. 3:6-18
Luke 22:31-38
Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right. – 2 Thessalonians 3:13
As Paul brings his second Thessalonian letter to a close, he offers prayer that their hearts be directed to the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ. He also delivers a none-to-subtle exhortation that they remain active in doing their part. It serves as a reminder to Christians in all times and places that, even as we pray for God to direct our hearts, we have a vital and active role to play in that direction.
2020 is certainly fertile ground for striving such important balance. It has been a year of unexpected and unwelcome conditions to be sure. The profound challenges have compelled us to hold one another close in prayer, even while resisting weariness in doing what is right. With innumerable sufferings resulting from coronavirus, civil unrest, wildfires, hurricanes, and political hostility, pursuing what is right can be downright exhausting.
In late summer a Facebook post illustrated a person trying to remain strong, when really, she just wanted to throw up her hands and put up the Christmas tree. It is a fairly safe bet that all of us have endured moments like that during this crazy year. It can be mighty tempting to simply park on the couch in pajamas and watch reruns of old sitcoms until this whole thing blows over. Still, that is not who we really are.
We have had to reinvent ourselves multiple times amidst coronavirus restriction. It certainly doesn’t seem right that Christians are unable to gather for in-person worship. As wrong as it feels not to gather around the Lord’s table, it has been the right thing to do nonetheless. We have had to choose loving and protecting our neighbor from disease, over the norms of liturgical practice.
And so, for many months now we have lamented not being able to go to church at our beloved place of worship. Yet, in Paul’s exhortation to the faithful of Thessalonica one might hear an echo of resolve for the present age - that our inability to ‘go to church’ must not prevent us from ‘being church’. After all, we are the church.
My wife and I recently moved into a community that features a nature walk with two beautiful pollinator gardens. Not only are they brilliant with color from the tremendous variety of flowers, but they are buzzing throughout the season with worker bees. Seemingly void of distraction, the bees are absolutely determined to discharge their duty and vital importance to the ecosystem.
In so many ways that is us. The Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement, as Presiding Bishop Michael Curry often describes us, is compelled to be church differently than we are accustomed to. Rather than idly shrinking from the present challenges, we are called to be buzzing with determination to build community even as we await gathering – counterintuitive perhaps, but quite real.
It seems clear that the right thing to do is to remain resolute in doing what we can with what we have, and being grateful for it. A true sense of gratitude seems a paramount ingredient in being church differently in a challenging time such as this. It reminds me of a quote from Lutheran Pastor and Nazi Concentration Camp captive Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “The more thankfully we daily receive what is given to us, the more assuredly and consistently will community increase and grow from day to day as God pleases”
Let us resolve to be thankful that our community continues its increase through faithful support of one another. Even as we pray that our loving and gracious God sustain us and direct our hearts to the steadfastness of Christ, may we also be resolute in actively fulfilling that direction; lifting one another up and intentionally being the beloved faith community that we are.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
The Rev. Geoff Ward
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, River Hills