Third Sunday of Advent
Intention: We pray for a faith-filled and transforming Christmastime for our world, one that fills it with peace, justice, and good will toward all.
Today’s Gospel | John 1:6-8, 19-28
A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.
And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord,'” as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
A Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent
Today’s Gospel presents us with an interesting picture. It is of John the Baptist, answering members of the Temple leadership who repeatedly ask him to explain who he is. We know from the context of the reading that what these people want to hear is whether or not John claims to be the Messiah. John is quick to say that he is not, and also quick to say that he is preparing the way for the one who is. The contrast between the fiery zeal of John and the tentativeness of his questioners reminds us that the coming of Jesus is a call to faith. Do we welcome and embrace this good news, or do we probe at its edges, more trusting of our own pathways than of those of God? Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu wrote, “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. When I let go of what I have, I receive what I need.” It is up to us to give ourselves fully to the miracle of the Incarnation. The time of Advent is a time to replace the question, “Are you the one who is to come?” with the question, “When will we be the ones who follow?”
Prayer
Eternal Father, our days are filled with making things ready to celebrate the coming of your Son. In all of our hurriedness, may we make time to be still. Help us to recognize his approach in the persons and events of our lives. May our greeting be one of gratitude and of welcome, giving praise that we have been so generously blessed. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.”