Father Koch: We often do the right thing but in the wrong way
December 9, 2021 at 2:35 a.m.
Joyful preparation is the overarching theme for the Third Sunday of Advent, characterized by the wearing of rose colored vestments and a bit more festivity than we are used to during the Advent Season.
Likewise, the Church, and certainly our homes and communities, are taking-on that wistful and joyous feeling of the coming Christmastide. Yet, at the half-way point of Advent, our work of preparation has a long way to go. While much of the secular preparations now grip our minds and steal our time, the spiritual work cannot go unattended.
Many of our churches have giving trees somewhere in the narthex or even in the nave itself. This reminder for us to be thoughtful and generous during this time of the year is noble for sure, but our concern for the poor, underserved and marginalized cannot be merely seasonal.One significant social trend found within the so-called millennial generation is the tendency to minimalism. Concern for the environment, one’s “footprint” on the planet, and finite resources, is at the root of the movement. Have no more than you need, take advantage of pre-owned items, and consume no more than absolutely necessary. Much of this same value system characterized the hippie movement of the 1960’s, but it was short-lived in its social influence. The current manifestation of this trend is also increasingly vegan, seeking to minimize the footprint of domestic farm animals. These are noble endeavors, and it sounds like this might be in line with the call of the Baptizer in the Gospel passage this weekend. But the movement lacks a necessary key dimension.
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John called his followers to a simplicity of life, not for the sake of preserving the environment, or having a smaller footprint, but rather to experience true solidarity with God’s poor and a deeper sense of reliance on God. While a commitment to preserving the resources of the planet reflects a genuine sense of the stewardship of creation, John advocates a simplicity of life based on faith that our needs are cared for by the Lord, and that we all share together in the gifts of that creation.
The Baptizer issues his teaching, not as an ideal to be lived, but as a warning. This is not a warning about the effects of climate change or the loss of natural resources, but a warning that to live in excess while others languish is the fullest expression of injustice. He warns us against a sense of total self-reliance, where we isolate ourselves from others to protect our self-interests. This false value is also common in the modern movement. There is a strong undercurrent of self-preservation, not a commitment to self- sacrifice.
Advent is a time when we prepare, not just for the remembrance of Christmas past, but for the inevitable judgment of the Second Coming of Jesus. This truth, however, comes with some significant consequences. We know that we must be ready for God’s judgment, and open to the call to conversion in our lives.
John in fact addresses many of the same issues that we address today. Their world knew all too well the conflict over injustice, oppression, political graft, and the effects of greed in people’s lives. Our time is no different. John could easily be speaking to the same groups of people today who dressed him in this Gospel passage. The sad reality is that sin remains present and active in the world. This can be very discouraging, and cause people either lose faith or to lose heart.During this Advent season, let’s commit ourselves to simplicity of our own lives, to take stock of what it is that we really need, and recognize that the only thing that really matters is a right relationship with God.
Father Garry Koch is pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel.
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Joyful preparation is the overarching theme for the Third Sunday of Advent, characterized by the wearing of rose colored vestments and a bit more festivity than we are used to during the Advent Season.
Likewise, the Church, and certainly our homes and communities, are taking-on that wistful and joyous feeling of the coming Christmastide. Yet, at the half-way point of Advent, our work of preparation has a long way to go. While much of the secular preparations now grip our minds and steal our time, the spiritual work cannot go unattended.
Many of our churches have giving trees somewhere in the narthex or even in the nave itself. This reminder for us to be thoughtful and generous during this time of the year is noble for sure, but our concern for the poor, underserved and marginalized cannot be merely seasonal.One significant social trend found within the so-called millennial generation is the tendency to minimalism. Concern for the environment, one’s “footprint” on the planet, and finite resources, is at the root of the movement. Have no more than you need, take advantage of pre-owned items, and consume no more than absolutely necessary. Much of this same value system characterized the hippie movement of the 1960’s, but it was short-lived in its social influence. The current manifestation of this trend is also increasingly vegan, seeking to minimize the footprint of domestic farm animals. These are noble endeavors, and it sounds like this might be in line with the call of the Baptizer in the Gospel passage this weekend. But the movement lacks a necessary key dimension.
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John called his followers to a simplicity of life, not for the sake of preserving the environment, or having a smaller footprint, but rather to experience true solidarity with God’s poor and a deeper sense of reliance on God. While a commitment to preserving the resources of the planet reflects a genuine sense of the stewardship of creation, John advocates a simplicity of life based on faith that our needs are cared for by the Lord, and that we all share together in the gifts of that creation.
The Baptizer issues his teaching, not as an ideal to be lived, but as a warning. This is not a warning about the effects of climate change or the loss of natural resources, but a warning that to live in excess while others languish is the fullest expression of injustice. He warns us against a sense of total self-reliance, where we isolate ourselves from others to protect our self-interests. This false value is also common in the modern movement. There is a strong undercurrent of self-preservation, not a commitment to self- sacrifice.
Advent is a time when we prepare, not just for the remembrance of Christmas past, but for the inevitable judgment of the Second Coming of Jesus. This truth, however, comes with some significant consequences. We know that we must be ready for God’s judgment, and open to the call to conversion in our lives.
John in fact addresses many of the same issues that we address today. Their world knew all too well the conflict over injustice, oppression, political graft, and the effects of greed in people’s lives. Our time is no different. John could easily be speaking to the same groups of people today who dressed him in this Gospel passage. The sad reality is that sin remains present and active in the world. This can be very discouraging, and cause people either lose faith or to lose heart.During this Advent season, let’s commit ourselves to simplicity of our own lives, to take stock of what it is that we really need, and recognize that the only thing that really matters is a right relationship with God.
Father Garry Koch is pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel.