Camel's Hair - Homily 2nd Sunday of Advent - B

 Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever.  

Friends, today we come together for the 2^nd Sunday of Advent. We light the second candle to contemplate peace and our scripture readings tell the story of a voice crying out in the desert.

Since Advent is a time of contemplation, reflection, preparation, and silence,  I’d like to share a children’s story.

There were three friends who find a treasure map and on that map an “X” marks the spot of the treasure in the middle of the dry dusty desert. So the friends prepare for their journey with plenty of water for their thirst and big floppy shady hats for protection from the sun. They set off on their adventure. Soon, the water is gone. And a storm blows away the big floppy hats.  

They were thirsty and hot when across the desert comes a wandering camel. They ask the camel to help them find something to drink. From look in the camels eyes they know they are to follow him. The friends follow the camel up and down the dunes until at last they come to a beautiful oasis. But, it is no ordinary pool of water. This oasis was filled with ice-cold pink lemonade.

The friends drink their fill and cooled themselves in the shade. After a while, one asks the camel to help them find the spot marked by an “X.”

The camel speaks. “You are here.” He says, “There is no greater treasure in the dry dusty desert than shade and a drink of cool pink lemonade.”

There is a lot of truth in that story. Even though pink lemonade is good on a hot day, realize there is a deeper truth.  Realize the treasure we seek is often right there with us. Understand the importance of being a voice crying out in the wilderness no matter who you are.

Our life is a lot like a treasure hunt. Some know early their destination. Some have been given a map. Some know how to use the map; others do not. Many seek the treasure which is there for everyone to find; but, not everyone easily finds it.

Obstacles make finding the treasure difficult. We traveled the roads of Isaiah, twisting, turning, up, and down. Every day is full of those obstacles, mountains, hills, and deep valleys.

Some may have problems with the treasure map and navigating all the ups and downs and twists and turns. Many will need someone to take them there. Others need someone to proclaim to them the treasure is always there with them. That treasure is the hope of the salvation of God through Jesus Christ.

Going back to that children’s story, more of us need to be like that camel and speak up. Especially when the world tells us: “There is no need for faith or religion.” “Church is boring.” “It’s irrelevant.” “It’s full of hypocrites.”

Being exposed to that, hearts can fall to worldly arguments. It can even cause people of faith to overlook the real treasure.

Let look at the example of those who fight over is the Church to male dominated or is it not manly enough. The world has put this false treasure out there in the midst of believers.

Some say the Church is a patriarchy that needs to be changed. But, if you dive deep into the Christian Church, except for the ordained ministry, almost 90% of all ministry is fulfilled by women. 

These women are the voices crying out in the wilderness. They are working to make straight the paths.

All human ministries of the Christian church began with a woman, a young girl who said “yes” to God; and, she became the mother of God.  God became man through a woman, the blessed Virgin Mary.

Mary and Martha of Bethany ministered to the Jesus; one prayerfully at this feet and the other in service. The woman at the well witnessed to the Samaritans. The adulteress woman witnessed Jesus’ mercy and justice to all. Mary Magdalen witnessed the good news of Jesus’s resurrection to the apostles.

In the opposite corner is those that argue the Christian faith is not manly enough.

Scripture tells us different.  “The LORD GOD comes with power and might.”

Today’s Gospel tells us about John the Baptist, a voice crying out in the desert. ”  

If you think a real man’s man is one who dresses in camouflage and sits in a deer stand instead of coming to mass, compare his to John.  “John wore clothing of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist.” He probably had wild hair and an unkempt beard. He lived off the land, “His food was locusts and wild honey.”

But there was one more manly than him. One that he said he was unworthy to loosen the straps of his sandals.

That man combined the best traits of both the masculine and feminine. He loved and compassion and forgiveness than any others. He was a man braver than any other man. He stood up for what was right. He sacrificed himself for each of us. He was unjustly hung on the cross by those jealous of him and then Jesus asked God to forgive them..

We fail to recognize the true treasure, instead we look for what the world tells us is treasure. We are so blessed that God is patient with us.

Life in this world can be like a childish treasure hunt. We look for what we think is a treasure. We seek everything the world tells us we need to seek, even in our faith.

Take this advent to reflect and prepare our hearts, we will know that the truth or our true treasure is right here with us. Instead of looking for a mysterious giant “X” that is a promise of riches. Look to the true riches found in that “X” which is the cross of Jesus.

To find it, be true people of faith. Christians should not worry about if the church is too manly or not manly enough. We ought to be conducting ourselves in holiness and devotion waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God….

More of us need to be like John, a voice crying out in the wilderness. Reflecting on the children’s story, more of us need to be like the camel helping others realize the treasure we are given. After all, John the Baptist’s clothes were made of camel’s hair

Be good, be holy and preach the Gospel the treasure of Jesus Christ by the way you live your life and love one another.   

Praise be Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen.