Friday of the Second Week of Advent
A little mystery is a good thing. However, as a pastor and as an administrator in a seminary, I have found under-communication can be a serious mistake. When you don’t connect the dots, people can, and will, speculate wildly. And misunderstanding often causes the confused to assume the worst about you.
When Jesus cleanses the Temple, the people do not attempt to stone Him for the offense. He is acting within established prophetic behavior. What they ask for is a corresponding sign to validate the ruckus. It’s understandable. We have natural gestures that tell us how to interact – which, if you have gone in for a hug when the other person only intended a handshake, you know what I mean.
The Lord’s indignant refusal to provide a sign the crowds expect is understandable. We are all very fickle. In this case, we want to manipulate God. Jesus utterly rejects this attempt to have it our way when it comes to His Father’s plan. If we knew how to save ourselves, He would not have had to come. For the people of His day or our own: sign or no sign ever seems good enough.
Jesus is working within the established prophetic tradition. His call is not for earthly gifts of wealth and mere physical health, but what bears fruit into eternity. His call is not for miraculous phenomena but to convert hearts in repentance, justice, and charity. Jesus came in history; He has promised to come at the end of time in majesty. Am I preparing my heart for Him to come now through grace and virtue?
Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections