God is His Own Genesis

 

Advent Reflection

Second Sunday of Advent Year B

December 6, 2020

 

It has been said that the New Testament is hidden in the Old and that the Old Testament is revealed in the New. Isaiah speaks of a voice crying out in the wilderness. Creation will be transformed in preparation for the coming of Lord. Valleys shall be filled in, perhaps with the rocks and earth from the mountains and hills being made low!

St. Mark tells us that John the Baptist is that voice. John tells the people coming out to him in the desert to be baptized that he is the beginning of the transformation. His voice tells them that another is coming that will baptize not with water, but with the Holy Spirit!

The Lord, the God of the covenant, is coming in transforming power. Peter proclaims that the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar and the elements will be dissolved by fire, but there will be a new heavens and a new earth. The image I see is that of the Genesis device in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn. In a presentation, we see the device impact a lifeless moon. The energy released encircles the planetoid. Ahead of the wave is barren rock; behind is water and plant life—the transforming power of the Genesis wave.

 Genesis Device Demo

God is his own Genesis! Christ comes to lead us to transforming life. But even in his power, he will be as firm and gentle as a shepherd, gathering, leading, and carrying us next to his heart.