Isaiah 35:1-6,10; Psalm 145(146); James 5:7-10; Mathew 11:2-11
Rejoice, wait patiently
Dear friends, today is the third Sunday of Advent, commonly known as Gaudete Sunday, meaning rejoice. As we come to the middle of the Advent period, we are reminded of the joy that is coming to us through the birth of Jesus the Messiah. This season commemorates Israel’s long wait for the promised Messiah. Since the Messiah already came to us, the meaning of reliving those moments for Christians today is the preparation to renew the presence of Christ in our lives, which is often clouded by different noises and preoccupations.
In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah announces the restoration of the people of Israel who had been under Assyrian captivity, back to their lost glory, peace, and abundance. There will be new life on the land that was devastated will yield once more. The messianic prophecy of restoring justice and strength to the oppressed would come through Christ Jesus. The mission of the Church, therefore, is to propagate this kingdom of justice and peace in the world.
In the second reading, St. James is urging us to wait for the day of the Lord’s coming patiently. He gives the example of a farmer who waits for the plants to germinate, grow, mature, and fruit. People who lack patience are always complaining.
In today’s gospel passage, John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the Messiah who was to come. Jesus simply asks them to go back and tell John what they saw. Jesus does not give a straight ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer; instead, he tells the men sent by John to report to him what he was doing. Jesus knew that John understood very well the role of the messiah. In our mission, we do not need to make sure that people know who we are. Instead, our mission activities should make people know us. It doesn’t matter how much you talk about your goodness; people will always judge you by your actions.
Since John was in prison, he wanted to confirm that what he was hearing about Jesus was true. In his time on earth, Jesus gave hope to the hopeless, courage to the weak, and healed people’s infirmities. Today, there are many people without hope, trampled down, and sick with many illnesses. Therefore, Christ’s mission must continue in the world through his disciples. In what way are you perpetuating the mission of Christ?
Many of the problems facing the world during the time of Jesus and today are man-made. Therefore, the solution lies with us. The challenge is that some reap from other people’s predicaments. For instance, those countries whose economy is heavily supported by the manufacturing of weapons will not be happy if there is no armed conflict. Those multinationals that make money out of vaccine sales will be thrilled by pandemics such as COVID. Lawyers and advocates make money out of other people’s conflicts. The insurance industry makes sales by scaring people with possible accidents. Many make a fortune out of other people’s ignorance. Are you benefiting from other people’s calamities right now?
Dear friends, Jesus came to open the eyes of people who lived in systematic blindness sponsored by false prophets and teachers (Pharisees and Scribes). He came to teach freedom to those held in captivity by their own ignorance of the love of God. Today, many people continue to live in slavery because they have either refused to be enlightened or they have been denied enlightenment by those who benefit from their ignorance. Who will save them?
As we wait joyfully for our saviour to be born anew in our lives, I invite you to introspect and see whether we are doing enough to bring positive change to our world, or if we are busy causing more destruction.
Have a joyful Sunday
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 