Second Sunday of Advent - C1

Year C
Malachi 3:1-4
or Baruch 5:1-9

The Malachi passage brings to mind the old story of Pinocchio who has gotten trapped in his own lies and desires and pranks.

A Blue Fairy or Fairy with the Azure hair (see original story) brings to mind a messenger (when did you last image Baptizer John as a fairy?) who helps the story along.

Jiminy Cricket is a conscience before whom we eventually cannot stand, but must give way. Who can endure the day of his coming?

Can a refiner's fire be matched with a water image? If so Monstro the Whale or the Terrible Shark (see original) might be the place where we stop lying to ourselves and others.

Judah, Jerusalem and Gepetto become blessed, as the story records, "When bad boys become good and kind, they have the power of making their homes gay and new with happiness."

Baruch may be more Cinderella-ish as garments of sorrow and affliction are removed and splendorous robes are put on.

What fairy tale do we need to remember today to help us make sense of the world around us and within - that we might hope? As G.K. Chesterton said, "Fairy tales are more than true - not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten." The good news of transformation from sorrow through a refiner's fire to joy, is good news to be spread abroad.

= = = = = = =

Righteous Peace begins our name
even with despair, betrayal, exile
in the midst of civil war, genocide, Gaia rape
we hear our name called and remember
Righteous Peace is who we are to grow to be

Godly Glory completes our name
in the midst of lies, pranks, hammer throwing
even with entitlements, covetousness, sorrow
we remember to listen for our name
Godly Glory is our chief end

no Righteous Peace, no Godly Glory
only Righteous Peace, no Godly Glory
no Godly Glory, no Righteous Peace
only Godly Glory, no Righteous Peace
both and both
Om shanti, shanti, shanti