Grateful

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Readings & Summary

The Epistle: Colossians 4:2-6

An imprisoned Paul (or someone writing in his name) asks believers to continue in prayer, walk in wisdom, speak gracefully, and make the most of their time.

The Gospel—Luke 7:18-28

John the Baptist—from prison, according to Matthew—asks if Jesus is the Coming One.  Jesus responds with all the miracles and healings he has done, and confirms that the Baptist is the prophet spoken of in Hebrew Scripture. 

Reflection

Twenty years ago, a driver picked up a hitchhiker in Virginia, but a car accident claimed the lives of both young men.  The driver was identified, but the passenger had nothing on him except a mysterious note, which possibly named him as “Jason”, and two tickets to a nearby Grateful Dead concert.  So began the case of “Grateful Doe”.

I heard of this case about a decade ago, and was mystified by its bizarre story.  Time passed, leads were exhausted, and hundreds of missing men had been ruled out.  Websleuths.com had dozens of pages of people devoted to solving this case—but to no avail.  Then last January, a post on Imgur.com led a man to share photos of a “Jason” he had befriended around 1994—photos which strikingly resembled the sketch of “Grateful Doe.”  In April, a woman saw those pictures and believed them to be of her missing half-brother.  She was shocked to discover an entire online community searching possibly for the same person she’d been trying to find for years.  After submitting DNA samples, her family could do nothing else but wait for the results.

What is it like to wait for something like that?  To have to wait for a life-changing answer for months, even years?  John the Baptist certainly knew that type of waiting.  Indeed, so did all of Israel.  After centuries under foreign rule—including decades under Rome—Israel longed for redemption, freedom, and peace.  John the Baptist thought he’d once found the Liberator, but today he asks, “Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?”  Luke doesn’t set this scene in prison, as Matthew does, but it’s clear that John has returned to the familiar prison of doubt, fear, and despondency.

Are we much different from John, 2,000 years later?  With everything going on in the world lately, how can we not question everything we’ve been taught?  Many have decided that Jesus’ way is not enough, and so they now look for another.  I can’t blame them.  I certainly don’t feel redemption, freedom, and peace when I hear of yet another mass shooting or terrorist attack.  But Advent gives us room to honor all of these valid feelings—even as it points forward to the Christ-child, reminding us that his way of selfless love, humility, and peace is possible.  That reminder doesn’t banish all doubt and fear from me—but it balances my perspective, and brings me comfort.

For Jason’s family, the waiting is over.  Last week, DNA results confirmed that “Grateful Doe” is indeed Jason—Jason Patrick Callahan.  My heart and my prayers go out to them in this difficult time—and yet, I feel relieved for them too.  They know now that Jason’s suffering is over.  It ended twenty years ago.  He has not been angry or resentful towards his loved ones this whole time.  He hasn’t been in danger, nor lost, nor hurt, nor unaware of who he is, or any number of dreadful things.  He has been at peace.  He is at peace.  There is closure now; they are free from prison, and on the path towards healing and comfort.

Questions

These questions are intended for all—people of faith, of a different faith, or even no faith.

Advent is typically observed as a season of joyful anticipation—so “prison talk” may seem a little out of place here.

What, if anything, do you feel imprisons you?

What is your jail cell like? Your daily routine as a prisoner?

How would you feel, knowing that freedom was on its way?

The Reflection focused more on John’s prison of doubt and disheartenment—but Paul has a different attitude in his prison.

How do you act in your own prison?

Do you allow yourself room to be honest with your feelings?

Can you, even in shackles, still reach out to others in hope and inspiration?

Prayer of the Day

Arise in your might, O Lord, we pray you, and come.

Summon your strength, hasten to our rescue,

and assist us with your grace,

for we are immersed in sin without escape.

Look gently upon us in your forbearance,

so that once again we can live, move, and have our being;

through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

—Collect #3 for the Third Sunday of Advent in the Lund Missal (1514)

Hymn: “Savior of the nations, come,” Ambrose (4^th cent.), Martin Luther (16^th cent.)

Worship song: “Everlasting God,” Brenton Brown