Dear Friends,
Christmas is quickly approaching! This Sunday we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” This Sunday is so named because “Rejoice” is the first word in the entrance antiphon for today’s Mass: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” We mark this Sunday with a pink candle instead of a purple candle. This Sunday is a joyful reminder that our salvation is near.
This week’s Gospel Reading continues our Advent reflection on the person and message of John the Baptist. Last week we heard John speak about his relationship to the coming Messiah. This week, we hear Jesus’ message to John the Baptist, now in prison, about the signs of the kingdom found in Jesus’ ministry and Jesus’ assessment of John’s role in the Kingdom of God. In the midst of what would appear to be crisis – John is in prison – Jesus speaks a word of Good News. The love of God will not be contained and will not be stopped.
Jesus’ message to John the Baptist about the signs of the kingdom being performed recalls the message described by the prophet Isaiah. This is a reminder that the beginning of salvation is already mysteriously present to us, but also has yet to be fulfilled. Salvation is already here, manifest in the miraculous deeds of Jesus and in the Church, but salvation is also yet to be fulfilled in the coming reign of God. We observe such events in our world today, we can find glimpses of God’s work among us and we have a long way to go before it is complete.
Last week while on retreat, I heard a homily where the priest focused on putting Christ back in Christmas and not worrying about the trivial stuff that seems to so occupy our time. That is probably a popular challenge often heard, but it is a belief that seems to presume that we have the ability to put Christ wherever we wish.
Which brings us back to John the Baptist in today’s gospel. We hear of him today as he sits in prison and hears about Jesus. Wondering what he’s risked his life for, he sends disciples to scrutinize Jesus and his mission. John sent his disciples to ask the most important question of his life: “Are you the One who is to come or should we look for another?” Jesus doesn’t give a straight answer. His response: “Go tell John what you hear. Tell him what you’ve seen in the healing of people who were blind, lame, deaf and leprous. Tell John that the poor are rejoicing. Tell him, ‘Blessed are those who see the hand of God in this!’ ”
Instead of answering John’s question, Jesus questioned John about his expectations. Jesus asked what grounded his hope. Jesus knew that John would hear his response as a summary of the message of the prophets. Jesus wanted John to realize that his work fulfilled what was prophesied about the time when God would appear with vindication for the people.
For us Advent should do the same. As we ask Jesus the question of the Baptizer, “Are you he who is to come?” we should be ready to answer through our own lives and those of the people around us. Is the Christ here?
Those who were blind to God now see God; those who were deaf to God’s word, now hear God; Those who could not walk in the way of God, now run; those who were unclean, now shine with new energy; and the poor know that they are loved by the God who created them. God is present. God transforms his people.
We know that Jesus is the one who is to come because we have been changed. His love has been felt in our lives. No longer blind, deaf, lame and poor we can shout to the world – Jesus is the Messiah!
Peace,
Fr. Damian