Third Sunday of Advent

COMPLETE TRANSCRIPT OF FATHER SWANN'S HOMILY:

"Sometimes the folks who put together the lectionary—the list of Sunday readings—do a great job of making them “fit together” and carry the same theme. They certainly did so for our readings on this 3rd Sunday of Advent—sometimes called--- Gaudete Sunday- for the Latin words of the ancient opening introit. Some call this : “Rejoicing Sunday.” Isaiah, in our first lesson strikes the “Rejoicing tone” “rejoices” over the “day of the Lord”--- the seventh year sabbatical when work stopped, debts were cancelled, slaves were set free, crimes were pardoned, sins forgiven and property was returned to its owner. It was a “fantastic” unreal time—a time to let God break into human affairs. Things were “turned upside down” and looked at from God’s point of view: “The lowly were lifted up—the proud were put down. Time stood still. Many Anglicans call this Sunday “Stir up Sunday”- because of the Collect that is always said on this day. We are just ten days away from the “longest” – darkest day in the year. Our brothers and sisters-- in the high northerly latitudes-- must have it “tough” since it is dark- most of the day. The “darkness” is all around them—they eagerly await the “return of the light.” This is the time of the year when the natural world “slows down”- ponds freeze over, mountains get snowy tops, animals and plants hibernate, our bodies slow down, we want to sleep more. But in all our modern lives--- we pay little heed to rhythms of nature—besides—it’s the holiday season – there is so much to do. On this third week into Advent—our “companion” is again John the Baptist. He too—is waiting. In contrast to last weeks Gospel reading – where John was really engaged in “revivalist preaching”—this week – he isn’t saying much. Those around John—were waiting too. They were waiting for the Messiah—the one who would come and redeem the people of Israel. They were a bit anxious and irritated—and confused—they wanted to know just WHO this person was—that was baptizing—if he was NOT the Messiah. John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” They were more interested in the “ONE” --who John speaks of as the hope of the world. The ONE who will fulfill his promises—to bind up the brokenhearted, to set the captives free, and bring liberty to the oppressed. Beyond simple “optimism” there is Christian HOPE. Christian hope does not “bury its head” in “yuletide cheer and artificial lights”—but like a traditional Advent Wreath—the light grows stronger week by week. This “hope” pushes its way into the “darkness” of the world. Christian hope is the courage to work for Isaiah’s vision of justice, healing and liberation. John the Baptist saw everything in his world—the good and the bad- as God’s action. He sought to “make straight the path of the Lord”-- in times no more or less troubling, confusing, and demanding than our own. King Oehmig- writing in Synthesis-- suggests that there are 3-R’s of inward preparation for Advent: RETURNING, REVERENCE, AND RELATIONSHIPS. FIRST--Returning: “Be still and know that I am God” the Psalmist says. We should carve out a time in which we desist from outward activity, from trying to control or change things—and learn once again how to be with our God. Emily Dickenson writes: “Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door.” SECOND- Reverence: Albert Einstein, who many incorrectly assumed was not religious at all- said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One as though everything is a miracle. The other as though nothing is a miracle.” He chose to see it all as a miracle. To cultivate a sense of reverence for God’s working in and through all things--- is to come alive spiritually, to become more closely aligned with God’s purposes—even when we experience the “worst” that life can bring. To experience the Holy Spirit opening our eyes to- what is truly around us means to become aware of the interconnectedness of all things. Anthony de Mello has written : “Spirituality means waking up. Most people, even though they don’t know it. – ARE ASLEEP. They go through life “asleep.” They never understand the loveliness and beauty of this thing we call human existence.” To be “spiritual” means--to “see” ---to truly see others in our lives as God sees them—priceless, unrepeatable gifts given only for a time. THIRD- Relationships: Frank Bianco has written, “If you begin to live life looking for the God that is all around you---every moment becomes a prayer.” At no time in our history is it more important to see barriers broken down—so that our “thoughts” and “actions” become one. The way to “show that” is through acts of stewardship and relief. WE began our Liturgy this morning with the Collect: “Stir up your power, O Lord, and with Great Might come among us.” Will we, on this Third Sunday of Advent,- be like John of old—and be men and women that will bear witness to the “Light” that was sent from God—to those who are desperate to see and know the “Light.”
AMEN


***Pray especially for healing for: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Ginny Henline, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Camden Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Jimmy Milas, Katie Armstrong, Donald Kaltenback, Harry MacRae, and Susan Beeler.

Collect:
STIR UP YOUR POWER, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

(1st Reading Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126, 2nd Reading I Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28)