On August 23rd, 1973 two criminals carrying machine-guns
entered a bank in Stockholm, Sweden. Firing their weapons, one of the
perpetrators announced to the terrified bank employees “The party has just
begun!” The two bank robbers held four hostages, three women and one man, for
the next five days. The hostages were strapped with dynamite and held in a bank
vault until finally being rescued on August 28th.
After their rescue, the hostages exhibited a shocking
attitude, considering they were threatened, abused, and fearful for their lives
during the five-day ordeal. In their media interviews, it was clear they
supported their captors and actually feared the law enforcement personnel who
came to their rescue. The hostages had begun to feel the captors were protecting
them from the police. One woman later became engaged to one of the criminals
and another developed a legal defense fund to aid in their defense fees.
Clearly, the hostages had “bonded” emotionally with their captors.
While the psychological condition in hostage situations
became known as “Stockholm Syndrome” due to the publicity, the emotional
“bonding” with captors was already a familiar story in psychology. It had been
recognized many years before and was found in studies of other hostage, prisoner,
or abusive situations.
Crazy as it may seem, this principle holds true even in the
spiritual realm and maybe is even more dangerous because its hold is so subtle
and easy to overlook. Advent is a chance to be set free from the things that
imprison and hold us hostage. In these weeks before Christmas, we hear
beautiful readings and prophecies about the freedom, joy and prosperity the
Messiah will bring with him. Its no wonder the Jewish people were so excited
for the arrival of the Savior. The problem was, after hundreds of years of
waiting, they had forgotten what enslaved them in the first place. It wasn't
the Romans, Babylonians, Egyptians, or any other army. It was sin, manifested in pride, envy, lust, hypocrisy, and greed.
Sin was a captor so cunning and charming that many loved it and longed to be in
its grip.
Fast forward 2000 years to today, to us. Unfortunately, we
haven't learned that much! How common it is for us, even the followers of
Christ, to bond with some sort of sin ourselves! The very thing that threatens
our soul and our chance at eternal happiness, is something we get attached to
and hesitate to let go of. Spiritual Stockholm syndrome can sneak into
any soul.
This third Sunday of Advent is called "Gaudete
Sunday". Gaudete is the Latin
word for "rejoice". We are rejoicing because our salvation, indicated
by the birth of Christ, is not far away. Or at least we should be. But, truth
be told, we can be like those four hostages in Sweden, afraid to be rescued,
attached to the very things that threaten us. This Sunday of rejoicing
challenges us to examine "what" or "who" it is that causes
us to rejoice. Is it God? Are we celebrating his Grace and mercy? Do we find
happiness in knowing that we are loved and saved in his Son's death on the
cross?
Or do we seek happiness in riches, wealth, and comfort? In
snatching up the last Hatchimal, hoverboard, or other hot gift that everybody
wants to find? Are we convinced that the bigger house, the sweeter ride, the
nicer threads, or the more exotic vacation will be the thing that will take us
to the next level and make us happy?
It can be easy to say "no,
that's not me" with our words. But what do our actions say? What to
our priorities point to? What do we rejoice in?
The devil is smart, sneaky, and relentless. Without constant
prayer, reflection, and frequent reception of the sacraments, especially
confession and Holy Communion, it is possible for him to take our hearts
hostage. If we rely on our own wit and wisdom, we will experience that
spiritual Stockholm syndrome; hanging onto and seeking the very things that
hurt us.
Two weeks of Advent remain; pause to consider what it is
right now that makes you rejoice. Is it God and his salvation? Or is it
something else? Whatever your answer, seek freedom and joy in the one
relationship that will free every part of your life. A friendship with Christ
will put everything in perspective. Confront whatever holds you hostage and cry
out in the words of our psalm, "Lord,
come and save us!"
