December 14th, 2024
Sirach begins the day’s readings with strong images, “Like a fire appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace” (Sir: 48:1). Opening with such intensity and continuing in the same level of excitement, the scripture caught my attention as did Elijah of course, as he cuts through these people and places with words and actions.
It’s interesting that ending this second week of Advent, our readings begin full of these visceral images and excitement. The readings following, while not as visual, all point to the great expectations and promises of God as well as the potential we each have to love Him above all and receive all in return.
Elijah is not the calm, expectant Advent character one might imagine to walk beside at this time, but his fiery way is what the church has prescribed, so full of life and love and fearless.
This does inspire me to ask, how does someone live fully for God and unintimidated by others? We know by the Saints that many have lived this fullness in a unique way, yet I still ask the question: Is this something I am really called to? I know the answer is yes but I still ask as I sit with these readings. Are we all called to this passionate focus? If so, how do we get there?
The scripture seems to answer in part when I read that “in his zeal he reduced them to straits” (Sir 48:2), and “by the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens” (Sir 48:3). So, Elijah is committed and moved by love to act for God and this passion he has is rooted in truth. This zeal is defined by The New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia, in part, as a necessary effect of love.
And how does one love God or anyone?
In another reading, St. Paul also helped answer the questions that came up. How does one love and how does one live in this fullness with God? In a word: Resolve. “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2). Resolve is defined by Oxford Languages as firm determination to do something. St. Paul chooses decidedly to focus on God completely. This is his part. He is resolved to know only Jesus.
Between the burning zeal of Elijah, the expectations and promises of God in the psalms, and the example of St. Paul and his resolve to Know Christ, this reading collection has gotten to the core of who we are meant to be and how we can be that people.
I have a lot to learn in love and life. I am resolved or rather resolved to be resolved in this pursuit. I pray that God continues to help me in all these things.
Christine Howson, fellow Catholic artist, lives in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan.