November 29th, 2020: First Sunday of Advent Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7
I Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:33-37
A new liturgical year. A new lectionary cycle, bringing a new perspective on our Scriptures and on our faith. A fitting time for us at DignityUSA to initiate a new way of bringing the wisdom of LGBTQI and ally members to our weekly Liturgy of the Word. As we begin the Advent season, we are humbled and delighted to start introducing twelve of our own who have stepped forward to offer their insights, questions, and personal reflections on each Sunday’s readings. Each brings a unique lens to this work, and we hope that you find the diversity of voices helpful in enriching your own encounters with these sacred texts. While I am not one of these regular contributors, I am honored to introduce this new approach. The Gospel that opens this new year brings the familiar call to be watchful and alert. I hear this as a challenge to look for the in-breaking of the Divine in our world. This call is certainly an appropriate theme for our Advent anticipation of the Incarnation, and it extends beyond this season into the major feasts and the ordinary times that lie ahead. Like Isaiah, many of us may feel beaten down by the overwhelming challenges of recent months and resonate with the urgency of the prophet’s urging God to “rend the heavens and come down with the mountains quaking.” We so deeply need a new day infused with the spirit of grace. As we continue to minimize in-person contact, respond to chaotic and contentious political events, and struggle with our place and our responsibilities in a culture that values some lives over others, it can certainly be a challenge to figure out where God can be found. Paul gives us one clue. In writing to the community of Jesus-followers in Corinth, he exclaims, “I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus.” Clearly, he has experienced the sacred in and among the people trying to figure out what the Christian movement means for them. He says the are “not lacking in any spiritual gift,” an extraordinary description of a group. Those of us who have been able to find home in a community, whether that be family, a circle of friends, a Dignity Chapter or Caucus, a parish, a faith community, a justice movement, or something else understands how the Divine can flow in and among people. Community can be a place where God is made present in present and immediate ways. As we begin Advent, many of us do so with hope stirring in our souls. Advances in vaccine trials help us believe that science may, indeed, help make the virus that has so curtailed our lives and our gatherings less of a threat. The results of the U.S. elections may further advances in LGBTQI equality and inclusion, as well as bring greater racial, economic and climate justice. Darkness still covers the earth, but these glimpses of light bring welcome joy. It’s starting to feel a bit easier to claim the promise of God-with-us. Be watchful and alert in these weeks ahead and through the entire new year. The Holy can appear at any time, in any form, and fill our hearts with the joy and love of knowing God is incarnate within and among us. Marianne Duddy-Burke, Executive Director, DignityUSA |
