One of the most famous books about the Scriptures was entitled “The Two Edged Sword.” It is an apt title because it describes very well the two sides of the Scriptures; indeed, the two sides of God. The Scriptures speak of fiery judgment on the one hand but of compassionate love on the other. We are told to both love and to fear God.
Both readings for today’s liturgy are tinged with this double edged approach. God speaks in endearing tones to his “little worm,” a term that may see less than loving but is really meant as an endearing nickname. At the same time Israel knew of God’s wrath which is embodied in the notion of the threshing sledge which Isaiah also evokes in this passage.
The Gospel tells us that Jesus came to bring peace as well as fire. Today Jesus speaks of the least in the Kingdom of God being able to surpass the greatness of God’s great prophets. Jesus ends by telling us to listen and to pay attention. Our future depends upon it. It is not enough to hear; one must listen and pay attention and act on the Word of God if we wish to be counted as brothers and sisters of Jesus.
The Season of Advent, though shorter than any other season in the liturgical calendar, asks us to remember that we have been given this time to prepare for the coming judgment when Jesus returns. We have an opportunity to act now to avoid judgment in the future. While the love and compassion of God is very reassuring, we must also pay attention to the other side of the coin. The Scriptures are meant to both comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable. Our conduct will determine on which side of the coin we find ourselves.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator