My dream for our children is that they keep their relationships with each other vital; that there never is anything or anyone who would come between them to destroy their respect, devotion and genuine enjoyment of each other.
This is my desire; but I can’t make it happen. I visualize what it could be, what it would mean to them, to others, and to me their mother. They would honest, just, dependable, and respectful with each other. They would continue to play, laugh and enjoy each other. There would be joy and peace among them. But all I can do is love and trust. It must be their desire as well.
In these first days of Advent we hear of Yahweh’s dream for his people of Israel. Isaiah says that Yahweh dreams of us, the beloved children, living on the top of the mountain with him, in his home! Isaiah describes God’s home as one of justice, peace, unity – no division of nations or religions; no discrimination between male or female, married or single, rich or poor. God’s dream is for God’s beloved to be one. God visualizes forgiveness, reconciliation, trust and salvation as a state of being. We are destined, desired by God, by Yahweh, to live Love.
But, as with any parent, God cannot make the dream a reality. It is up to me to grow into the dream. God invites, loves and trusts me to actively live God’s dream, God’s desire, God’s yearning. I am invited …but the choice is mine.
In today’s reading Isaiah assures me that God will be with me, protecting and encouraging if I but trust. In the gospel Matthew says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”
How am I to know the what and the how of it?
Jesus is the incarnation of God’s desire, God’s yearning, God’s waiting. Jesus is the living desire, the living dream. Jesus is also the how to: the way, the truth and the light. Jesus is the struggle for justice, peace and joy. Jesus wrestles along with me through the dense jungle of dishonesty, unfaithfulness, lies and deceit. Jesus bends with me in strong winds of anger, violence, jealousy, prejudice and ignorance. He slips and slides with me as we wade through the sludge of hate and fear. Jesus is with me as I live into God’s desire.
Advent is often referred to as the time of waiting. Waiting for the birth of a child or grandchild, the safe return of a daughter, son or spouse from places of unimaginable terror; waiting for justice, peace and order; waiting for healing, for death. Waiting for the Kingdom.
I wait in vain, if I am not actively waiting. “Your kingdom come, your will be done…” Who is to usher in the Kingdom? Who is waiting for whom? Is God waiting for me, to (actively) wait for God?
The goodnews is:
yes, God waits for me to wait.
Joan Blandin Howard
After working and teaching at Creighton for many years, I am officially retired, but hardly so. Having 5 adult children, in-laws, and 11 grandchildren I keep pretty busy! My husband and I spend hours in our garden planting, pruning, dead-heading and of course weeding and mowing! We spend even more time sitting in our garden, delighting in its beauty. The beauty overwhelms me and invities me into a space of en-Joy-ment and gratitude to the Creator and Artist of all. I have much for which to be grateful. I also like to travel, read, write and make art. My ministry of spiritual direction and silent retreats continues.
I count my blessings. You among them.
Initially I thought I was writing for myself. I use the readings as a source of personal prayer. I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend in prayer, study and preparation. The writing seems to be a natural end product. The wonderful e-mails I receive tell me that I am not writing just for me and they reconfirm my faith in the presence of the Lord, who speaks all languages, permeates untold experiences, and surfaces in the most ordinary of daily delights and disturbing distractions. That the Lord would speak through me is a gift I had not anticipated.
I thank you, the reader and fellow pilgrim, for joining us on our journey. God bless us.
