Black is in. Advent. (2016-12-04)

HML  4  December  2016

2^nd Sunday of Advent  ● Isaiah 11:1-10 ● Psalm 72 ● Romans 15:4-9 ● Matthew 3:1-12 ●

Ash Wednesday, Homily, John Paul II,  8 March 2000 ???

[__01]    Black is in.

Black is in fashion. It is the shade of “color” (or the lack of color) that seems to match with every possible occasion. Black is clothing we might wear for an occasion either mournful or joyful.

And, it seems that fashion designers and trend setters and mathematical statisticians compare everything to BLACK.

If “orange” is popular, then we say that “orange” is the new black.

If Apple Computer or Starbucks Coffee has a new and hot product, then the iPhone 7 is the new black.

Arabica Roasted or could be the new black at the store. You can also have it with milk or cream. It is still the new black.

[__02]  If something were to be labeled or considered to the “new black”, then this PERSON, PLACE, or THING, would be on the rise in popularity or acceptance.

John the Baptist, in his day, was the new “black”. John the Baptist was attracting a following, show much so that the Pharisees and Sadducees seem to be very interested in what he is saying, doing, baptizing at the River Jordan.

[__03]  This is ADVENT in the wilderness outside Jerusalem.

In a loud voice with a clear signal, also wireless, John the Baptist is proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2)

John the Baptist encounters these Pharisees and Sadducees – whom we might say – are browsing, searching, shopping around.

[__04]  Sometimes, you and I might resemble – or we could be compared to – the Pharisees and Sadducees and shoppers in the wilderness of the River Jordan.

Perhaps, we come to church or to pray just to look around.

John the Baptist urged his followers – and you and me – not just to hang around, but to prepare.

We know the difference between hanging around and preparing.  Sometimes, “hanging around” can bring us good fortune.  In some sporting events, we see that one time “hangs around” long enough just to win the game.

Something fortunate happens at the very end to turn the game their way.  

We want to see what is in fashion, what is popular.

 [__05]  When we consider the new product, car – or star – in the marketplace, we also consider that the 2016 model will soon be replaced in 2017.  There will always be a new black, a new trend.

In this Gospel of Advent, we also recognize that the very popular John the Baptist himself is going to give way – to be replaced – by the Birth of the Messiah.

John the Baptist himself recognizes that one greater is coming – not version 2 point zero …but rather one with infinite power, mercy and grace:

“One greater than I is coming and I am not worthy to untie his sandals”  (Matthew 3:11)

“He must increase and I must decrease.”  (John 3:30)

[__06]  There are many trends our attitudes which could take over our lives.

John the Baptist came to warn his people and you and me.

What is the new black for you or for me? What is the thing or attitude to which we are most attached, most endeared, most enamored?

It may not be for sale on Black Friday, it may be something else.

[__07]   What is the new black?

Is the new black …

MY PRIDE. “Pride” manifests itself in different ways. If I am proud, I may reject any form of criticism. If I am proud, I may also reject any form of praise. Quite simply, I just refuse to engage – or engage fully – with those who love me or wish to collaborate with me.

          Pride, however, according, to John the Baptist is not part of the kingdom of God.

          Rather, HUMILITY is the new black for you and me.

[__08]  What is the new black?

          Is the new black …

          MY ANGER.  Quite easily, you and I can become very demanding of ourselves and those around us. We are called to remember that God – who is our judge – slow to anger and …. And that we are called to be slow to anger…

Anger is not the new black, although we may be surrounded by it and believe that anger is the way for us to be motivated and energized.

Mercy is the new black, as Pope Francis reminded us in past year.

[__09]   And, John the Baptist wants to remind us that – even in a time of chaos and confusion – even in the month of December – with many things to do, the new black – is ORDER, is PEACE, is TRANQUILITY.

          In a startling way, John reminds us that God is new making a new order, separating the good from the evil, the good from the evil in ourselves.  We are called to prepare the way.

This is Advent, Jesus is the light. He comes into the darkness, the darkness which is also the quiet of our hearts where he lives and is present to us, even if no one else is. The new black. [__fin__]