Daily Advent Reflection: December 2
First Wednesday of Advent
Psalms 119:1-24 · 12, 13, 14
Isa. 2:1-11
1 Thess. 2:13-20
Luke 20:19-26
Several years ago I attended a business conference in Washington D.C. It was my first trip to D.C. and I looked forward to the opportunity to do some exploring. One of my journeys took me to the Korean War Memorial.
I marveled at the life size statues of soldiers walking through rice paddies, while ghostly images of men, women, and children watched on as depicted in incredible etchings in the marble wall surrounding the statues. But, it was the wall that I encountered, as I turned a corner, that took my breath away. There, simply etched in the wall were the words, “Freedom is not free.”
For me, this phrase echoed Jesus’ words that we find in today’s gospel, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Luke 20:25) As followers of God, we have obligations to both God and the government and we are expected to take these responsibilities seriously.
We are blessed to live in a “free country”, but as we all know, that freedom comes with cost. There are financial costs just like the taxes mentioned in today’s gospel. There are laws and rules that are meant to be followed.
God gives us “free will.” But, that does not mean that we should do whatever we want. Throughout Scripture, we are given guidelines for living as God’s children. Perhaps, most famous of these words are the Ten Commandments and The Beatitudes. (When I worked with children, I referred to these as the “Thou shalt nots and the thou shalls.”)
As you reflect upon today’s Gospel, it might be helpful to ask yourself these questions: What does living in a free country cost me? How willing am I to fulfill these obligations? How might I grow in my commitment to my country? Likewise, What does free will cost me? How willing am I to follow God? How might I grow in my relationship with God?
Here is one more question to ponder. What do I do when my duties to God and country conflict? Scripture and tradition teach us that God should always come first. What will you choose?
Kathie Beuscher
St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church, Greendale