DECEMBER 8, 2019
7:30 AM, 10:30 AM (SUN) ORDINARY FORM MASSES
Released nearly 15 years ago, and recorded by American country music artist Carrie Underwood as the first single from her debut album “Some Hearts”, the single “Jesus Take the Wheel” spent six weeks as the number one on Billboard’s “Hot Country Songs,” and peaked at number four on Billboards “Hot Christian Songs,” becoming a top twenty hit on Billboards “Hot 100” chart.
The ballad tells the tale of a young mother. As she drives through an Ohio snowstorm late on Christmas Eve, she reflects upon and takes stock of her hectic life. Suddenly, the car hits black ice and spins out of control. In a panic, she takes her hands off the steering wheel and cries out “Jesus take the wheel!” And in an instant, the spinning stops, the car slows, and safely comes to rest on the shoulder of the road.
Today is the Second Sunday of Advent.
The first reading from Isaiah is the last of three prophecies in the Book of Isaiah regarding a child. The first, in chapter 7, is the prophecy of a virgin birth and the child Emmanuel – whose name means in Hebrew “God is with us.” The second, from chapter 9, speaks of a king who possesses divine and supernatural power.
Finally, the third, what we heard today, from chapter 11 speaks of “a shoot [that] sprout[s] from the stump of Jesse” taking root and blossoming … a proclamation of a future kingdom of Jesse.
And more than a restoration of an ancient dynasty, the prophecy speaks of a restoration of all creation. No more “harm or ruin on all [God’s] holy mountain.”
And finally, the last line speaks of a new Exodus. But this is not a departure from slavery as was the Exodus from Egypt. This is a return to the primordial freedom of Paradise as the children of God the Father.
St. Paul speaks of “service” in three ways in the 15th chapter of Romans. We hear the first word – diakonos in today’s reading. This is where we get the English word deacon. But Paul goes on in the next several lines to talk about leitourgos, and hierourgeĊ … the priestly service within the action of holy rites.
Paul’s use of these words points to the service of Holy Communion – the Eucharistic service – in the early Church.
In today’s text, the word translated here as “welcome” is perhaps more properly translated as “receive.” That is, as we are to receive one another in the same attitude as we dare to receive Our Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Separation or division within the Body of Christ brings judgment, not mercy; as St. Paul indicates elsewhere in Scripture. And while this is at a minimum a “welcoming,” it is more than that. It is a visceral recognition that we, as the People of God, must be united in mind and in worship.
The Gospel of St. Matthew presents us with St. John the Baptist; whose message of judgment, in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit, offers a baptism of repentance that points to something beyond – points to someone greater; whose sandal John is not worthy to carry.
Namely, Jesus; as Head of the Body, the Church; and the one, true Minister of all the Sacraments.
So, where are we?
Is prayer or worship feeling empty or distracted? Allow yourself to be received by Christ, as you receive His Holy Body and Precious Blood.
Is life or work or school spinning out of control. Too much planning and shopping, the chaos and busy-ness of the season?
Let go, and let Jesus take the wheel. Slow down. Calm down. Let go. Receive and be received. Let yourself be renewed in mind, and body, and spirit. In silence and in hope.
As we approach this altar to receive the Sacred Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ … let Him take the wheel. Give Him your permission to take control of your life. Let Advent be a time of silent anticipation; as we prepare for the coming of Christ … in history … in eternity … and right here … right now … in Word and in Sacrament.
