Hic Est Lapis: Tuesday in the First Week of Advent

The Lord whom we prepare to meet in Advent appears in this scene as one who is prepared to pronounce

words of judgment. In liturgical time, we are preparing this season to welcome the Lord in his first Advent,

as newborn king. In actual time, we are always to be preparing to welcome the Lord in his second Advent,

when he shall appear to judge the living and the dead. In both the scene on the Temple grounds as well

as by the fig tree outside the city, the Lord exercises his role as judge of all.

Money changing in the Temple, a way of allowing pilgrims from throughout the Jewish diaspora to exchange

their foreign currency for temple currency - in order to purchase animals for sacrifice, had become a system

of money-making for those involved in the transactions. The offering of prayers to God had become

commodified, and those in the system were benefiting at the expense of the faithful. For Jesus, this was

an occasion for righteous anger.

Outside the city, Jesus passed a fig tree which appeared to be fruitful. Fig trees tended to produce fruit at

the same time as the leaves, and so a tree with leaves was usually also bearing fruit. This tree only appeared

to be fruitful, when in actuality it was not. It was all show - no fruit. Jesus pronounced judgment - as he does

elsewhere in decrying the hypocrisy of "religious" people who only appear to be performing the duties of

their faith, while neglecting the important matters like justice and mercy.

So - how do we prepare to welcome the Lord Jesus Christ as judge of all hearts? The babe who lies in the

manger at Bethlehem is the same king who will divide sheep from goats at the end of all days, the Lord of

love and peace is at the same time the Judge of justice and mercy. Pray today for the Holy Spirit to guide

you in a life of discipline and faithfulness to the ways of God, that you would bear fruit worthy of the disciple

of Jesus.

Hic Est Lapis