Happy New Year!

It’s now Year C, according to the Lectionary readings schedule. Readings from St. Mark? That’s so last year. It’s St. Luke this year.

The readings today, as they would be in Advent, are all about anticipation. Something’s a-comin’. First, from Jeremiah:

The days are coming, says the LORD,
when I will fulfill the promise
I made to the house of Israel and Judah.
In those days, in that time,
I will raise up for David a just shoot;

I like the botanical imagery, describing a shoot. Oh, and not just any shoot, but a just shoot. Why such a phrase, a just shoot? Well, I guess I understand the just part of it, as the Messiah will be the king, who limns between right and wrong. And maybe the shoot, the plant image somehow makes it all the more natural, more organic. That it’ll just grow and happen. Somehow that makes it more likely?

And what should we do while we’re waiting? St. Paul says to “conduct yourselves to please God.” And in the Gospel, Jesus warns that there will be signs, scary signs, that people will die of fright, even. Be vigilant at all times, he says. Pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations.

Oh, yes. Something’s a-comin’.

In his homily, Father Caulfield, dressed in festive purple vestments, explains that it isn’t quite Christmas yet. Soon. But for now, we wait and anticipate.