Dryness and Blooming

I don’t know about you, but there are times where my spirit seems dry as dust. I yearn to hear the promise from Isaiah 35 that we hear this Sunday: “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom.” I long for that joy! I’m glad that this week is the third Sunday in Advent, when we celebrate joy (Gaudete Sunday).

Several years ago, Anna and I got to visit Death Valley with Anna’s sister and brother-in-law. Death Valley is one of the hottest, driest places on earth. We were there just at the end of one of the infrequent blooming times in that desert. It was so glorious to see those tiny, fragile, yellow flowers that bloomed months after a rain. It made me realize how often in my life there is some spiritual moisture that brings about a little life in my soul long afterwards.

In the gospel for this week, John the Baptist is in prison. Suffering there, John wants to know if Jesus is the one they had been waiting for. Jesus tells John’s disciples to share how the blind see, the lame walk, and the poor hear good news. Jesus says not to focus so much attention on earthquakes and cataclysmic events, even as they scare us. I find that helpful for today, too. As Mr. Rogers said, it is important to pay attention to the helpers and those who respond in times of need. They can inspire us all to keep seeking Tikkun olam, the healing of the whole world.

This Advent, when you notice dryness around you, look also for the blooms to sustain you in this healing mission. I’m grateful to be on the way with you, beautiful St. Timothy disciples!

Peace,
Hans