Third Sunday of Advent: "Are you the One?"

 

"The desert and the parched land will rejoice and bloom"

Matthew 11: 2-11

The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121425.cfm

"The Lord God keeps faith forever,

secures justice for the oppressed,

gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets captives free"

(Psalm 146)

This Sunday we rejoice as our Savior is about to come. The One who would rescue humanity and reclaim his creation tainted by sin is about to arrive.  Not on the clouds of heaven or in a royal court with trumpets blaring but the One who would clandestinely, as if under cover, be born to obscure peasant parents in a distant corner of the ancient Roman Empire. The shades of the color of rose worn in our liturgy, an image of anticipated joy, make a silent statement that his coming will be profoundly significant.

So, as we draw closer to the Christmas season, just ten days from now, the liturgy invites us to recapture some of the longing and hope of the ancient Jewish community.  Knowing that hope was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus’ birth is the joy we should feel as that commemoration draws closer.

Our readings reflect the joy of that longing.  Isaiah reminds us: “Be strong, fear not! Here is your God . . .” Though Isaiah wrote centuries before the coming of Christ, it is now that we still reap the fruits of his coming. So, it began as a longing for the coming of the Anointed One, the Messiah to set his people free to raise up the kingdom of Israel and banish oppression.  You can imagine the varied opinions floating around in John the Baptists’ time about who and what that Messiah will be like: Will he come from the priestly class, we he look like another Moses, and will he be a Son of David?

In other words, a kind of warrior king who would defeat their enemies.  Even John the Baptist had his own expectation as he preached along the Jordan River about one who would, “. . . baptize with spirit and fire . . . clear his threshing floor, . .”

One thing, however, the Messiah was not expected as a healer. Despite the imagery in Isaiah, we hear today about the signs of physical healing in this Sunday’s Gospel from Matthew, we hear further from John the Baptist, now in prison by King Herod, ask a surprising question about Jesus: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Is John questioning his own judgment for who he was preparing the crowds?

Scholars tell us that John may indeed have had some question about or wanted to finally verify his preaching about Jesus’ work who is now traveling around the countryside telling stories as a gentle preacher, sharing meals with known sinners and healing people. He is merciful and compassionate to the sinner while he shows little judgement on their sinful status, he shows empathy for the suffering; allows children to surround him, so where’s the fire and threshing? And so, John sends his disciples off to go and convey this question. But was it for John’s own confirmation or was it so that his disciples themselves may come to believe?

In response to their question Jesus, he reminds John’s disciples: “Go tell John what you hear and see.” In a typical indirect way, Jesus invites those who question to answer that for themselves.  Rather than a straight “yes” or “no,” he invites John’s disciples to come to faith and discover the truth of his mission and person. See the signs that are being done.

Using the imagery of Isaiah today, Jesus states: “. . . the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” (Mt. 11). Isn’t it better for one who preaches to lead by example?  To put his words into action.  Jesus simply states: “If you don’t believe who I am by my words, then believe because of the actions I do.” In the coming of Christ among us, God is putting back together the pieces broken by sin. He is indeed a warrior battling the force of brokenness and evil but is doing so through a deep call to personal conversion on the part of all who encounter him. In other words, we should never see Our Lord as an obstacle in the way of my personal agenda but an invitation to a new life.

Isaiah writes: “. . . Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, . . . Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing. . . .” (Is 35: 1-6).  Our Gospel fulfils what Isaiah painted and other prophets hoped to see, in the miracles worked at his word. The Kingdom of God has come among us.  The end of the line is reached and now is the time to pay attention – to “wake up” as we hear in this holy Advent season.

Here is where the rubber hits the road you might say. It is by the signs (miracles) that Jesus worked, his “fruits” of preaching, that we can now follow him with confidence. Yet, the transition from following John and embracing Jesus was not a smooth process in his time.  Some enjoyed the more aggressive approach and spurred on by their hatred for the Romans, or their alignment with them, took a different course towards Jesus that put him under suspicion from the moment he appeared on the scene.

Today, the Church is meant to be a place of healing, good news, wholeness, reconciliation, unity, generosity towards others, and a welcome sign of Jesus’ presence in the world today.

These last ten days of Advent call us to open our eyes, to look for the signs that verify God’s presence in our lives.  In his name, the hungry are fed; the poor are shown mercy and a better opportunity; the defenceless child or elderly are protected; the suffering are given dignity and compassion. His living word is proclaimed at Mass, and his risen presence is made our food in the Eucharist. Yet great danger and suffering continue to exist in such regions as the Ukraine in a senseless war of aggression and under oppressive governments with arrogant violations of human rights. For this we must pray and contribute to the greater good not cooperating in our own personal wars and judgements.

So, we may be asked the same question as John: “Are you the one?”  If we truly say Christ is, there can be no other and we follow him according to his plan and not our own.  He is the Holy One, not just another teacher among teachers, greater than all before him, Lord and Savior.

12/7/25: Second Sunday of Advent - The call of the Baptist

 

"Prepare the way for the Lord!"

Matthew 3: 1-12

The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120725.cfm

O people of Sion, behold, the Lord

will come to save the nations,

and the Lord will make the glory of his voice heard

in the joy of your heart.

(Entance Antiphon - 2nd Sunday of Advent)

Alfred Nobel (1833–1896) was a Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor, most famous for the invention of dynamite. He amassed a vast fortune from his 355 patents, many of which were for explosives and armaments. In 1888, his brother Ludvig died, but a French newspaper mistakenly published Alfred's obituary under the headline, "The Merchant of Death is Dead." The obituary described him as a man who had become rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before.

Reading his own obituary was a harrowing experience for Nobel. It forced him to confront how he would be remembered. The realization that his legacy would be one of destruction and death was deeply troubling. This moment of crisis became a turning point. He resolved to change the narrative of his life. In his final will, he left most of his fortune to establish the Nobel Prizes, including the Nobel Peace Prize, to honor those who have "conferred the greatest benefit to humankind." This was a deliberate and dramatic shift from his past focus, a true act of repentance and a commitment to a better future for humanity. The obvious lesson is that it is never too late to change – to turn around and begin a new direction.

On this second Sunday of Advent there is a mighty figure who stands head and shoulders over others.  His voice cries out in the desert: “Repent . . . Prepare the way of the Lord!” John the Baptist appeared literally out of nowhere.  He preaches with fire and fury in the line of the prophets of old. His preaching is not comfortable – “Repent” is his first word.  Yet, it had been hundreds of years since the Jewish people had seen or heard a prophet of God among them.  So, John’s appearance caught the attention of the crowd and the religious leaders of the time. He preaches along the Jordan River, crying out to various groups of people such as the Pharisees and Sadducees, gathered along the river shore. He confronts their hypocrisy in no uncertain terms and demands they repent of their two-faced behaviour. Even though his message has a negative tone at first, we know that deep down we have fallen short and need to “repent” or turn our lives in a new direction.

John’s reputation, despite his unconventional and strange appearance in camel’s hair and his yummy food choice of locusts and honey (yuck!) was deeply charismatic.  In the tradition of the Old Testament prophets, his message cuts to the truth: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”  His warning to the Jewish elite makes one squirm.  He labels them a: brood of vipers (children of snakes!) who presumed to be above reproach due to their birth right as children of Abraham. What or who is this kingdom of which John speaks?  It is Christ himself.  The Christ, the anointed one, the Messiah is imminent so be ready and prepared!

Obviously, John was far from politically correct and used the images of a “coming wrath” and the tree that does not bear good fruit “will be cut down and thrown into the fire” not to frighten people as much as to wake them up!  We may become settled and enamoured by our complacency and a false sense of security and self-righteousness, when God slaps us on the cheek for our own good.

John knew his time was limited and he had a mission and a message to deliver. Did he know it was specifically Jesus he was preaching of?  From his reaction at Jesus’ baptism, maybe not until he appeared before John who then was struck with the truth.

God is at work, and we had better be ready or loose the whole point of his coming. We too can be easily seduced by the world around us and become complacent about our faith.  “What is the least I need to do to fulfil my obligations as a Catholic?” That might not be the best position to find ourselves in. 

Our first reading from Isaiah the prophet, written about 600 years before the coming of Christ, speaks to spiritual emptiness with a word of hope. “On that day, a short shall sprout from the stump of Jesse and from his roots a bud shall blossom.”  What may seem small and nearly lifeless will, through the intercession of God, bring about greatness.  This savior will be verified by the nations, peace will prevail, natural enemies will reconcile and even the Gentiles will come to acknowledge this “signal” for the nations.  It is, then, John the Baptist, who appeals to our deepest hunger for wholeness and peace, to prepare the way for that person who is imminent. It is John who we can put our faith in that what he proclaimed, was indeed to take place.

So, in the wilderness John preached.  His words and his message have gone forth from that moment down through the ages, to our present day. The wilderness of our day may not be a geographical location but more a pervasive attitude of indifference towards God.  One commentator once said that the danger today is not so much hostility towards religion as it is simply indifference and the fact that many live as if there is no God, rarely if ever bringing the truth of his presence to mind or heart.  The casual attitude towards sin and evil today should be enough to wake us up and consider the ultimate consequences of a life detached from our Creator: an emptiness or an incompleteness to life, a sense that everyone is on a different moral track, nothing seems to be absolute but rather up for grabs, etc. As St. Augustine famously realized: “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee” (Book I: Confessions)

John’s words are filled with both hope and warning.  Don’t miss the chance because his presence among us will be very brief. Pay attention! Jesus is the one who will bring baptism in “the Holy Spirit and in fire” and bring about mighty change in the history of humankind.  Not by means of violence and fear but by the power of God’s mercy, love, forgiveness and reconciliation.  In order that we too might be ready to receive him; we must identify what may be keeping us from making his path straight for we can be an integral part of personal conversion and repentance.

We encounter him in the Holy Eucharist, in the power of his sacred Word, in the faith we share, in the mercy he extends to us despite the sin we find in ourselves, in the face of those who come our way to serve selflessly in his name. Pope Benedict XVI once said that our Catholic tradition is not so much street corner evangelization or house to house visiting but rather to create a community of attraction that those who visit find the Church attractive enough to take a look, to come home, to bring about a change of heart and life. We must begin with ourselves first and find the desert in our own lives that needs to hear that voice.

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kindgom"

Luke 23: 35-43

The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112325.cfm

I recently saw the movie “Nuremberg.” I enjoy such films about true historical events and in my estimation, despite some expected Hollywood “adjustments” for dramatic effect, from what I understand, it stays very close to the actual tragic events and the book upon which it is based.  The Second World War is quickly winding down, Hitler is dead and his Nazi Empire has been defeated.  Now the main generals, directly responsible for horrendous human atrocities in the callous treatment of human beings, and principally the Holocaust the “Final Solution” in which 6 million Jews and others, were systematically exterminated in death camps, are arrested for sentencing. We know the outlines of this dark period in human history, and we pray will never be repeated.However, as I was walking out of the theatre and back to my car, one woman happened to catch up with me. She was a total stranger and wondered if I saw the movie.  I said I did, and then she remarked, “It’s still happening today you know.” Sadly, I agreed with her and said simply, “we have to be extra vigilant.”

I use this example on this Sunday’s triumphant Feast Jesus Christ King of the Universe. That’s quite a title indeed and one the likes of Adolf Hitler and other cold and heartless dictators would have wanted.  The film clearly brought out the shocking arrogance of the general who was second in command after Hitler, Herman Goering. But where is Hitler, Goering, and others like them today? Despite the cries to dispense with any trial and just execute them in the most humiliating way, they were found guilty and then eliminated. Have they conquered their enemies and taken over the Universe? I think not. There is no reason to believe that those today who are in the same mold, will ultimately be any more successful.

Today we conclude the liturgical year with the celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. It is anything but a fairytale. The exalted title of King of the Universe may be impressive and not without implications of grand things. In our Gospel reading, perhaps like the victims of the Nazi’s, Jesus innocently hangs from a cross and is treated like the most despicable of criminals.  

Yet, by contrast, as victim he rises up and becomes Jesus Christ Lord and Savior of all humankind and of all creation. He has earned for our salvation, this right title which implies that in God, all things are under his rule.

The origin of this feast, which is relatively modern was established in 1925 by Pope Pius XI who guided the Church at a time when Communism, Marxism, and the terror of the Nazi’s grabbed the world attention with fantasies of world domination. 

The names of Karl Marx, Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler all ruthless atheistic dictators are put down by the Church in proclaiming Jesus Christ the only true ruler above all earthly rulers and powers.  Pope Pius established this powerful feast for all Christians to proclaim the Lord’s glory as the one and only true Lord and ruler of the universe.

We have journeyed for months with the Lord through the liturgical Ordinary Time and have reflected on Jesus’ instructions, parables, miracle stories so this weekend we conclude that long yearly series, by an acknowledgement of what it all means for us. Jesus, our teacher, wonder-worker, and Savior is indeed “King” of all that is.  As we say in the Creed he is: “God from God; light from light; true God from true God . . .”

With an image such as that we may feel more fear and trembling rather than any desire to gather close to this King.  But the Gospel image this Sunday of this crucified “King of the Jews” is one that gives us pause. If Jesus is truly a King he certainly did not behave as one.

In the fourth century of Christianity, we find a familiar quote from St. Cyril of Jerusalem about the reception of the Holy Eucharist: “Make a throne of your hands in which to receive the King.”  Clearly, the reception of Communion in the hand was a familiar practice among Christians before these words were spoken.

In the reception of Holy Communion, and we must always remind ourselves of this truth, we do not receive a thing – a piece of unleavened bread or a “wafer” as some have referred to. We receive a person – the Lord Jesus Christ, our King in his true risen presence as St. Cyril reminds us. This King now will sit upon the throne of our hands.  Have you given that much thought? This God incarnate rests in your hands and enters your body as food. As you receive the Eucharist, whether priest, deacon or minister of communion they are essentially invisible.  It is Christ alone who we encounter under the sign of bread and wine if offered.

He feeds us with his own person for the King is our food.  What sort of king would be so concerned about his sheep, as we see King David called a shepherd in the first reading, to be so invested in his subjects as to lay down his life for them? What king has ever died for his citizens? Not an earthly one to be sure. In a sense, today’s Feast reminds us that our earthly sense of human power, royalty and prestige is not fitting when it comes to the fullest understanding of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ the King.

However, from the cross, this Jesus speaks not words of judgment or issues edicts and proclamations. Nor does he condemn those who had tortured him or Pontius Pilate who handed him over to the executioners, or the crowds who called for his death.

Rather he forgives them from his “throne,” the cross, then he turns to the thief next to him and speaks words of mercy: “Amen, I say to you, this day you will be with me in Paradise.” It is the food of mercy and forgiveness to an act of faith in Jesus expressed by the thief: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

The cross was transformed to a throne of glory that leads to the resurrection.  It shows us that this ruler, the Lord of our lives has come to break the hold of death and through a life of compassionate sacrificial service models for us what it means to be Lord and Savior.  But, like the thief who hung next to him unless we see ourselves as sinners before this king of mercy, we will not understand what kind of royalty he is. We come, repentant for our sin, to encounter the living Christ.

This king feeds us with an invitation to gather with him around an altar of mercy and love. As Pope Francis has put: “The Church is a field hospital.”  A place for healing and comfort on the battlefield of our lives. 

Like our upcoming Thanksgiving meals, our response is to gather, to be thankful, to be nourished, and to go and feed others with the good news of mercy and conversion.

How many are hungry that we never see? Though it may feel a bit unusual at first, maybe an extra chair around your Thanksgiving tables this Thursday could be added – a throne for the king who will feed you with more than any table could ever hold. Make room for this shepherd, this crucified Lord, this king risen in glory who feeds us.

------------------------------------

Let us pray: 

Almighty ever-living God,

whose will is to restore all things,

in your beloved Son, the King of the universe,

grant that th whole creation, set free from slavery

may render your majesty service

and ceaselessly proclaim your praise.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, 

who lives and reigns with you in the unity

of the Holy Spirit, 

God, for ever and ever.

(Collect of Mass)

 

 

 

 

 

 

33rd Sunday - "Keep calm and carry on"

 

"Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom"

Luke 21:5-19

The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111625.cfm

During the second World War the British Government launched a simple slogan: “Keep Calm and Carry on.”

It was meant to encourage people, while bombs fell over their cities. The message was obvious, don't give in to fear, be courageous, stay faithful and stay steady. The fact that the British Royal family stayed in London during the bombing rather than seeking safety away from the city, gave people all the more security in their words.  

In many ways, today’s Gospel as we quickly approach the end of the liturgical year, has Jesus giving similar advice.  No doubt the Gospel is disturbing.  The images of “days blazing like an oven,” which we hear in the first reading of the prophet Malachi. About “wars and insurrections, famines, plagues, natural disasters, and mighty signs coming from the sky,” in the Gospel, the thought may be to run for cover and hope that you stay safe.  Yet, Jesus tells us to “keep calm and carry on.”

Not only that but Jesus warns of self-proclaimed prophets of doom who warn us that the last days are coming at a precise date and time of day.  Some may wait with bated breath, others may scoff, and many simply ignore such warnings dismissing them as naive.  Jesus advises, “Do not follow them!”

The disturbing imagery we hear in the readings today may at least bring confusion to our present-day ears. This doesn't sound like the good news that Jesus is expected to preach. As our Lord, is predicting the future destruction of the sacred Temple in Jerusalem, it must have pained him to speak these words both as the Son of God and as a faithful Jew.

Historically, what Luke describes in his Gospel as the destruction of the sacred Temple of Jerusalem by the Romans would indeed take place in the year 70 A.D.  Once conquered, the Romans proudly confiscated the menorah, the sacred lamp stand, from the Temple and carried it off triumphantly to Rome. Was this the end? For the Jewish people, it certainly seemed it was. That God had completely abandoned his chosen people and they were left with a destroyed nation. 

Yet, it is not the end as such but rather the beginning of something new. Something greater, a new “Temple” in the person of Jesus’ own risen body and a new way of seeing God and our relationship to him. The old order is passing away and a new order begins so keep calm and carry on. 

The natural order of things would tell us that transition times are not always clean and easy.  In fact to uproot the old and plant the new can be a messy business. Think of natures own process or the universe and the powers of creation - new stars, new planets, the change of seasons. Rooting out a sinful and unhealthy habit or addiction and replacing it with something virtuous and healthy. 

The words of Malichi provide a hopeful message in the end: for those who remain faithful.  “But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.” The healing rays of a renewed faith and a new hope in God through his Son, who will rule the world with justice.

It indicates for us a kind of upheaval coming, a profound change in the order of things and a new beginning, a new kingdom being established.  Who is the King? Christ himself who will overturn the expectations of the old order to establish a new order of things with Christ who will be he will be Savior of all.  The source of all that is good and right.  

So, the call of this time, then, is to be at peace and to not fear.  To trust in the end that no matter what may come our way, we are called to do well.  If we should worry about anything it might be that I am so worried about things that I am doing nothing good or productive either for others or for myself. That I may not carry out the work the Gospel calls me to do. Rather, I must trust the words of Christ that if I am faithful to the Gospel “not a hair of my head will be destroyed.”

I may find that I am grateful that God put me here in this life, that he has given us the Holy Spirit, called us to a rich faith community, his Body the Church, and given us many opportunities to live out the Gospel in his service day by day and that he loves me more than I can imagine. That he shares his living presence with us in the sacraments and in particular the Holy Eucharist which is he - food for our journey through life. In other words, carry on the work of the Gospel, do not be deterred by what may appear the end of the road, but pick up and move forward in faithfulness. In the end, it is not so much what and when the Lord, will return but rather most importantly, when he comes what will he find us doing? Living out the Gospel and the way in which God has called me through my way of life as a faithful Christian, or one living in fear and doubt doing what I desire rather than making the Lord the center of my life which takes away fear. 

 Now, that’s good news no matter what other forces may come my way.  The best antidote to the illness of too much worry is to do the opposite, the work of the Gospel. To keep calm and carry on the mission of the Gospel. 

 Grant us O Lord our God, 

the constant gladness of being devoted to you,

for it is full and lasting happiness

to serve with constancy

the author of all that is good.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, 

who lives and reigns with you in

the unity of the Holy Spirit, 

God, for ever and ever.

(Collect of Sunday: Roman Missal)