Advent Balance

The world does not usually remember number 2. Unless you are the parent of a preschool-aged child, rarely do we applaud and extol anything other than being the top dog. A television commercial for some unmemorable phone gives a great one minute montage on the perils of being second best. They are unsuccessfully chasing the glitterific iPhone, and I can’t even remember the name of their product which I am mentioning here. The world does not remember number 2s. It is with that in mind that I came to this week’s readings.

John’s Gospel begins by telling us that John the Baptist “was not the light, / but came to testify to the light.” The world might think this less than remarkable. We might like to be the light — not just the guy who goes around talking about the light. But John seems very content with his station. He openly recognizes that there is “one who will come after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” He does not seem jealous or ambitious to be that one. He is content to be who he is - content with his role in the larger plan. Good for you, John.

My mother was born on June 24th, the feast day of John the Baptist. She has a connection with JtB because of this. John the Baptist has always struck me as an interesting cat. Admittedly, my knowledge of him draws from Elementary and High School Religion classes. I envision him as the son of a very old (probably at least 20) and likely unfertile mother. I remember that he leapt in his mother’s womb upon meeting the newly pregnant Mary. I know that he lives in the dessert, eats locust and honey, wears hairshirts, and is ultimately beheaded. Without knowing much, I always knew that John and Jesus had a special relationship. Loosely translated and debatable is the fact that they were cousins. Growing up, I was envious of friends who were close with their cousins. They seemed to share a special bond that I did not have. As I watch my girls develop that special cousin relationship, I am convinced that I was right to yearn for it. A cousin is basically a sibling who does not share your home, answer to your mother, or compete with you. It really has its perks. In my imagination, John and Jesus were close cousins. I bet Biblical scholars would debate this fact, but it always helped me to understand their unique relationship.

Just as I was settling into the notion that we don’t have to follow the world’s foolish calls to be remembered, the second reading from Thessalonians comes screaming in with standards of greatness. “In all circumstances give thanks”, “rejoice always” and “pray without ceasing”. Not only should we do these things, but we are told how to do them – always and without ceasing. There does not seem to be much margin for slacking. This reading tells us that to do these things at this level “is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” I like that God has high standards for us. I like that we are called to offer our best game.

As I prepare my heart this week for the miracle of love that arrives in Jesus’ birth, I will try to balance John’s humility with Thessalonians call to excellence. It will be a familiar struggle for me, but this week it will feel more meaningful because I will remember that is my Advent preparation.
–KLG