A Journey Through Advent: Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021
by Bren O’Connor,
Member of Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis
Today's readings: Psalm 118;19-24; Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7:21-27
No single problem occupies my mind quite like climate change. In my brief lifetime, I’ve seen weather become more and more erratic and extreme, leaving me to wonder how my loved ones and I will be able to survive in the near future. Where will we go to avoid droughts and floods, hurricanes and heatwaves? Where will we find protection?
Jesus lived in a time of great instability. The Jewish population of Palestine lived under centuries of rule from various invaders, and the latest set of kings, the Roman Empire, seemed absolutely unbeatable.
How do we build shelter when the elements, environmental and political, are unforeseen?
Jesus’ wisdom isn’t magic, it isn’t a flood insurance policy or a novel bit of craftsmanship. The rock foundation Jesus offers is the Kingdom of Heaven. A beloved community where the last will be first and the first will be last. Would we have so much to fear in a flood, a storm, a disaster, political unrest, if we knew our beloved community supported us?
Advent is our time for waiting, reflecting on the Kingdom we have dreamed of. In our teetering world of climate change, this is where I put my hope.
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