But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest! On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
During those lovely, rare moments when we are content in this world, it seems like the Kingdom of God is almost within reach. Amid family and friends, rested and comfortable, we wonder, "Why can't we just stop here? Here is a nice, grassy place of warm sunshine, gentle breezes and stately shade trees, with ample water and food nearby, let's not go anywhere!"
The Prophet Isaiah seems to describe such a moment when he writes, "But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard..." He goes on to describe relief for the deaf, blind, lowly, and poor.
Perhaps it was this sensation of God's immanence that impelled the Ethiopean eunuch to ask the deacon Philip, "“Look, there is water. What is to prevent my being baptized?” And Phillip, being impetuous in the Spirit, baptized him! Jesus's first disciples, four fishermen and a tax collector, acted in that way also. In today's gospel we see the Lord, obedient to his Father and to the Spirit of his Father, immediately heal the blind men who beg it of him.
Even three weeks before Christmas we might experience that impetuous Spirit of Jesus moving in us. "The Kingdom of God is at hand!" the Lord says repeatedly despite our suspicion that it's very far off, probably on the other side of the Moon.
Saint Paul describes that impulse as the down payment of things to come:
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit, which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.
If, as Andy Williams sang, Christmas is the "hap-happiest season of all" it's because we allow the Lord to give us that Anticipation whose fulfillment seems almost within reach.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.