Isaiah 29:17-24
Psalm 27:1-6, 17-18
Matthew 9:27-31
Today’s readings are full of hope, of reassurance – of anticipation. One dictionary defines anticipation as “an emotion involving pleasure or anxiety in considering or awaiting an expected event.” Who among us hasn’t stood in that same gap between daring to hope and fearing the worst?
Isaiah offers a just-you-wait-and-see message, reminding his listeners that despite evidence to the contrary, the Holy One will restore the fortunes of the down-trodden, redeem the shamed, and vindicate the falsely accused. Likewise, the Psalmist tells of fearless trust and unrestrained joy. And in Matthew’s Gospel, though warned to keep silent about the miracle that saved them from certain poverty, the two men whose sight was returned could not comply. Like the hymn “How Can I Keep From Singing?” they went out and spread the good news.
If we aren’t paying attention then that narrow space between pleasure and anxiety can trip us up, and just like a crack in the pavement, cause our steps to stumble and our resolve to falter. Henri Nouwen reminds us, “The Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.” 1
Advent isn’t just a season but rather an invitation to live with open hearts and watchful eyes, anticipating signs of God’s promise and presence, in every moment of our lives.
Frances Drolet-Smith
1Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen, Ligouri Publications, 2004, p. 30-31