First Sunday of Advent [B]

 


FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT [B]


We’ll open by referencing an old story called The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. It’s a tale that dates back to 18th century Germany. It has since been adapted on two separate occasions by the Disney franchise (1940 and 2010). Essentially, the story has to do with a sorcerer who steps out, leaving his apprentice to oversee the workshop. The apprentice can’t resist paging through some of the restricted books, to include the Book of Spells. He begins experimenting, and soon loses control of the situation. When the sorcerer returns, he’s greeted with an outbreak of pandemonium. He quickly neutralizes the illicit spell and re-establishes a sense of order. 


Next comes the reckoning. In the 1940 version (a segment within the Fantasia production), the role of the apprentice is played by Mickey Mouse. He anticipates a tongue-lashing, but receives only a severe glare. Mickey cowers under the intensity of the glare, and then slowly commits himself to cleaning up the mess. As he turns to get underway, the sorcerer delivers a swat on the behind. It’s not administered with full strength. As far as reprimands go, it would rank as something mild. Nevertheless, the message sufficiently registers: I expect you to behave in my absence. 


Does the story overlap in any way with the readings for this weekend? The sorcerer would seem to correspond with the Master in today’s Gospel parable (Mark 13:32-37). Even though he has taken his leave, it’s understood that he will eventually return. We can associate the chastened apprentice with the contrition expressed in this passage from Isaiah (64:4-8). In addition, the apprentice also provides an element of contrast, when we turn our attention to the citation from St. Paul. Paul describes a process through which we can potentially become “blameless” (1st Cor. 1:8). Of course, the apprentice is anything but blameless. And yet, you start off your one thousand mile journey by taking that initial step. 


The first step, in this case, represents a spirit of contrition. From a Christian standpoint, contrition leads you to recognize your state of dependence. Moving forward in your journey means more than the making of a resolution. We become actualized by developing an appreciation for the gift of sanctifying grace. It’s about learning to rely upon the source that originates from beyond our own personal capacity. Discover what Paul discovered. Will you rate as officially “blameless?” You may or may not end up attaining the ideal. However, at least you will be edging closer. Make it clear that you are getting closer, not getting further away. 

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