The Proper of Yesterday: Advent III

Hmmm. For the second week in a row, I've not been able to post my Proper of the Day entry on it's actual day. Perhaps that says something about the holiday rush that seems to have taken over our culture. Perhaps I need to take some more Advent advice and slow down and let the stillness and patience of Advent permeate my soul. Or perhaps it simply means that two Sundays ago I was on an airplane going to an Advent vacation, and that yesterday I was having friends over for a Gaudete Sunday supper.

The Third Sunday of Advent has traditionally turned from the more foreboding (to some) aspects of the Lord's coming to the more joyous ones. The reading from Isaiah continues a poetic vision of a glorious future under God's auspices, and the Gospel reminds John the Baptist, and us, about what the Messiah does:

Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.

And we too, who celebrate the Messiah's coming among us every Sunday, help to create and recreate that tantalizing world foretold by Isaiah and initiated by Jesus. This Advent season, what are you doing to make the dry lands of your life or those around you be glad, and the deserts of your neighborhood and world bloom?

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.

RFSJ