Second Sunday of Advent at Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community with Kathryn Shea and Katy Zatsick Co-Presiders

Kathryn Shea, ARCWP Candidate Gives Homily Starter for Dialogue Homily

Homily Opening

December 6, 2014

So, I have to admit, I initially had a tough time with today’s Readings.  At first, all I heard was fall-redemption theology.  We better repent, repent again, and again because there will be a second coming of Christ and only the truly holy ones will be saved.  The Readings speak of death and destruction to make way for a new world of heaven and Earth where truth and justice prevail.  We again look for divine intervention to God to save us.  But the more I thought about this I decided to re-frame the message.  I do think the message is more about New Beginnings.  We have an opportunity to create a new world where we live in peace with gospel equality and take delicate care of our Mother Earth.  I’d like to share a Hopi elder message that I think speaks to today’s readings.

"You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour.  And there are things to be considered . . .

Where are you living?
What are you doing?
 What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader."

Then he clasped his hands together, smiled, and said, "This could be a good time!"

    "There is a river flowing now very fast.  It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.  They will try to hold on to the shore.   They will feel they are torn apart and will suffer greatly. 

    "Know the river has its destination.  The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above water.   And I say, see who is in there with you and celebrate.  At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, Least of all ourselves.  For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt. 

    "The time for the lone wolf is over.  Gather yourselves!  Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary.  All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration. 

    "We are the ones we've been waiting for."

We are indeed the ones we’ve been waiting for.  We are the second coming, an ongoing evolving manifestation of the Divine, here to live the Good News.