Isaiah 11:1-10
Matthew 3:1-12
“The wolf may lie down with the lamb, but the lamb won’t get much sleep.”
So says Woody Allen. While there’s truth here, Allen underestimates the sort of adjustment the wolf has to make as well. We might not be sympathetic to the plight of the predator, but let’s give some consideration–in other words, don’t judge!
Isaiah envisions a different creation, where predator and prey isn’t the only relationship possible between the species. On this Second Sunday of Advent, we consider that different creation. Is it possible for us to imagine a society defined not by the hierarchy of haves and have-nots, of the violent and victims, of powerful and exploited? Can we imagine a community based on our shared identity as God’s people?
It’s this community Jesus invites us to join, and, in our Gospel reading today, John demands we prepare for. Such preparation, according to John, requires repentance, a turning from the old and expected ways in order to embrace the way of Christ. But first we might wonder–is such a different way practical or even possible? Are we, like the lamb in Isaiah’s vision risking too much? Would we not be better off just assuming that the way things are is the way they will always be?
This past week all the news stations are extolling the virtues of Nelson Mandela. But it was not always the case. During his 27 years of captivity, many insisted that while his imprisonment was unjust, it was necessary. Mandela and his comrades were wolves, so the understanding went. If they were given freedom and power–well, just watch out. Apartheid might be bad, but that’s nothing compared to what would happen if these wolves were put in charge.
Of course, things in South Africa could have gone that way. Revenge, self-interest, arrogance and violence–these are the ways of the world, why should this situation be any different? But it was. A new way of reconciliation, peace, and sharing power for the sake of the common good–these were the ways chosen instead by Mandela. Kingdom values. Perfection wasn’t reached, but the ways of the world were interrupted, if even for just a moment and a place.
As Christians, it is our purpose to interrupt the world in just such a way. We may never rule a country, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for us to live out our loyalties to this new way. All it takes is that we act on our hope.
Last week, hope was the word that began our Advent preparation: Where is God’s presence and word needed? This week we take a step to act on that hope. It may be–John says it absolutely is–that the step we need to take is repentance. We turn from assuming that the old ways are our only option to taking the risk of living out our faith. It may mean volunteering or speaking up; it may mean forgiving or sharing. What step can you take this week toward the Kingdom of God? Share, if you dare, what you can do to prepare for the presence of Christ by acting on the Good News.