Advent: a
coming into place, view, or being; arrival.
- www.dictionary.com
Regardless of where we might individually identify in the many
cultural, social, and political frames in which we place ourselves, this is
certainly a time of Advent. Wherever we have been, as communities, as
congregations, as neighborhoods, as families, and even as persons, there is not
one of us that does not perceived that something new is coming into place. As
veils have been pulled back which once covered complicated aspects of
ourselves, we are forced to see anew the challenges of our mutual dependence.
We are even challenged to ask ourselves of our own essential being; who we are
in the many relationships we share.
Not one of us can deny that this will be an Advent that we remember
for generations to come. And we cannot deny the (literal) elephant in the room
that now focuses our beliefs, attitudes, and values.
Our very own bishop, the Right Reverend Sean Walter Rowe,
offered a powerful testimony and inspiring commentary on the results of the
general election. It carefully articulated that our mercy must be tempered with
advocating social justice. Bishop Rowe also reminded us of the importance in
reconciliation for the offender to accept responsibility and ask forgiveness,
noting that mercy to an unrepentant sinner may be most difficult to show. As we
navigate this difficult time, we remind ourselves of the importance of our
obligations to be the voice for those who are in great anxiety.
I have been reminded by congregants of the struggles that
they have had in their life journey. While I may be called to share a vision of
comfort and calm, I also affirm the capacity for empathy and sympathy we all
have toward those who have experienced much more fear and enmity from others.
When we see the way some Episcopal churches have been vandalized and attacked
for being welcoming and affirming of God’s love, we are reminded that there may
be pushback, especially in these volatile days, against our inclusivity.
We are asked to be an Advent people. Our readings and
liturgies of this liturgical season ask us to recognize our reliance and trust,
as a people, in the promise of Christ’s coming. It is a challenging time, and
we need to have room in our hearts to see Christ there, and the courage to give
birth to him in the lives of others. Advent is a time of preparing, a time of
affirming, and a time of waiting.
But we will arise, and shine, in faithful proclamation that
our Light has come!
In hopeful anticipation,
Fr. Shawn
