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“For the mouth of the Lord has spoken”

December 2, 2024

Isaiah 1:10-20 | I Thessalonians 1:1-10 | Luke 20:1-8

Come now, let us argue it out,
   says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
   they shall be like snow;
though they are red like crimson,
   they shall become like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
   you shall eat the good of the land;
but if you refuse and rebel,
   you shall be devoured by the sword;
   for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.  
                               – Isaiah 1:18-20

Let’s take a collective breath here, on the second day of Advent.  Yesterday we marked the beginning of our Church liturgical year, which is the season of Advent, lighting that first candle on the wreath and reading the lessons foretelling the coming of Christ, the Messiah.  The bright royal blue vestments and altar linens symbolize expectation, and end times.  Despite John the Baptist’s crying in the wilderness, urging us to repent, there is an air of anticipation.  Christmas is coming.

Looking ahead to the beautiful music that Advent brings, in preparation for Christ’s Birth, our Canterbury and St. Cecilia Choirs will be offering the timeless, well-known and much beloved “And the Glory of the Lord” from Handel’s Messiah.  Its lyrics echo the words of Isaiah 40:5, ending with the powerful phrase, “For the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.”  Signed, sealed and delivered.  Hope is on the horizon.

Today’s assigned Old Testament Scripture, in the first chapter of the Book of Isaiah, has a much different mood and proclamation, ending again with “for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”  Woe to us!  We’re in trouble, for God has a sit-down and presents a cause-and-effect scenario.  Our sins have consequences. Our endless ceremonies, sacrifices, appointed festivals, callings of convocations and ‘solemn assemblies’ apparently have God throwing up His hands in frustration.  Enough!  This is tough on us Episcopalians, who love our traditions, ceremonies, grand processions and glorious liturgies.  Assemblies and convocations:  Too many meetings? 

In the midst of all this busyness, God offers reassurance that if we center down, simplify and focus,- learn (learn?!) to do good (a lifelong process), seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan and plead for the widow, – our scarlet sins will be like snow and cozy as wool, and we will eat the good of the land. God’s showing us some ‘tough-love’, wanting us, in Google Maps/Siri terms, to‘re-calculate’ our paths.

Removing, or at least reducing, these activities in the midst of our Advent contemplations gives us opportunities to be still, listen, and be attentive to the many ways God communicates with us.  I like to gather such opportunities under the whimsical category of serendipity, a favorite word.  Many times, if I am watchful or receptive, something will happen or appear, often causing me to ponder, smile, or just behold in wonder, no matter how seemingly minor.  Earlier this Fall I was clearing out some garden beds and there, tucked in the dark and cool north foundation of our house, was a little Begonia blossom, apparently taken root from a Begonia plant that had Summered on our front porch.  How could it have possibly gotten there and thrived?  What a reminder of resilience, on the part of the blooming flower, and of God’s constant presence in everyday miracles, proclaiming His promise that He will take care of His people, who turn to Him in Faith.

Laura Sullivan