The First Reading for the 2nd Sunday in Advent in the Year of Matthew is quite a contrast to the Gospel reading appointed for the day. While in Matthew we hear the railing of John the Baptist, in Romans 15:4-13, we hear the Advent message of hope. Hope and praise are the two dominant themes in this reading. It will the preacher's delight to share this with God's people.
(The following questions have been developed to lift up the function of the Word in the text, a fundamental concern of Law and Gospel preachers. These questions are not meant to be exhaustive, but are best used in conjunction with other fine sets of exegetical questions. For more on this method and on Law and Gospel preaching in general, see my brief guide, Afflicting the Comfortable, Comforting the Afflicted, available from wipfandstock.com or amazon.)
1. How does the Word function in the text? Amidst the many exhortations to faithful living that surround it, the Word here functions mainly as Gospel, announcing to us the purpose of "the God of steadfastness and encouragement." Clearly the purpose of this God is that God's people and all the nations will have hope.
2. How is the Word not functioning in the text? There is no hint of Law in this text, no place where we are called to repentance, or our need for a Savior is exposed. To find Law, John the Baptist will supply that in the Matthew reading.
3. With whom are you identifying in the text? We are the ones called to steadfastness and directed to the Scriptures in order that we might have hope. We are those for whom the apostle is praying.
4. What, if any, call to obedience is there in this text? There is only one imperative in this text, in verse 7: "Welcome one another." The call to steadfastness is implicit, but this text is not primarily a call to obedience, even though it is surrounded by such.
5. What Law/Gospel couplet is suggested by this text? With the absence of Law in this text, we shall have to create couplets based on the Gospel words: despairing/hopeful; discouraged/encouraged.
6. Exegetical work: Paul Achtemeier, in his fine commentary, gives a compelling argument for the function of this text in regards to the other texts appointed for Advent 2: "It is because these verses show how God's plan informs and illumines the way we are to act under the lordship of Christ that they are recognized by many traditions as particularly appropriate for the Advent season which awaits the coming of that Lord... These verses in Romans announce that the one who comes is faithful (as he is to Israel) and merciful (as he is to gentiles), and therefore we may greet his coming with joy. He comes to restore unity to the broken peoples on the earth. From this perspective, other biblical texts that announce the coming judgment of God take on new light. The announcement of John the Baptist (Matt.3:1-12), for example,... may be greeted with happy anticipation rather than with fear-filled foreboding because we know the nature of God's' plan for his creation. It is mercy and forgiveness and peace." (Interpretation series, Romans, p. 227).
7. How does the Crossings Community model work with this text? Timothy Hoyer, in his analysis, recognizes the lack of Law in this text, but substitutes that absence with a reminder of the Law-based system we all live under. In contrast, God's plan, revealed in Jesus and outlined in Scripture, is a Gospel-based system, bringing hope, peace and joy to all. See Hoyer's analysis at crossings.org/text-study, archived under its reference.
8. Consider the insights of the pioneers of the New Homiletic? Henry Mitchell's reminder, to never leave out celebration in preaching, is quite appropo for today's text. Why not celebrate with gusto the hope that our God of steadfastness and hope offers us!
Blessings on your proclamation!
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