Isaiah 41:13-20,
Psalm 145:1, AND 9, 10-11, 12-13AB
Matthew 11:11-15 Full Readings
Blessed Adolph Kolping, Our Lady of LoretoInspired by John the Baptist
Brethren, in the first. Reading we see the unchanging nature and mercy of God on us. Think of the shame and trauma the Israelites had while they were being led to exile. They suffered humiliation and were helpless in the face of opposition. To worsen the case, they were helplessly turned to slaves in exile. So Isaiah needed to restore their confidence once more. This restoration would come from an understanding that God never changes. The same God who helped Israel of old to fight their battle is still very much there to help them. The same message is being extended to us. When the enemy suggests to you that there can be other ways of getting out of your problems outside of God, tell the enemy that you serve a living God who changes not and who is bigger than your problems. And it shall be well with you. Let us now reflect on these three aspects from the Gospel.
1. The Kingdom of Heaven: If the great John the Baptist is less than the least in the kingdom of heaven, how great must that kingdom be! We usually think of heaven as happiness, and rightly so. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1024 reminds us, “Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness.” But today’s Gospel points to the greatness of heaven. In this regard, CCC 1026 explains: “He makes partners in his heavenly glorification those who have believed in him and remained faithful to his will.” God’s plan for us is glorious. We must merely be willing to accept it.
2. God’s Plan for Our Salvation: Today's Gospel tells us that: “Because it was towards John that all the prophecies of the prophets and of the Law were leading.” This makes Advent exciting! We see that we are caught up in God’s loving plan of salvation which started with his chosen people, whose prophets and Law pointed to a future time when “Elijah” would come again. John the Baptist was this Elijah pointing to Christ. And Christ is the Messiah who came to bring us to our real home, the kingdom of heaven, where “he makes partners in his heavenly glorification those who have believed in him and remained faithful to his will.” During Advent, the Church calls us precisely to this: belief and fidelity to God’s will!
3. Whoever Has Ears Ought to Hear: As always, Christ’s teachings exhort us to become our most true selves. Nothing is more natural for ears than to hear. John the Baptist undoubtedly spent many solitary hours praying, reflecting, and simply listening to God in the quiet of the desert. Hearing comes in many forms. When we read the Bible, we hear the word of God. When we pray, we also hear God’s voice. We must also be ready to listen to our neighbor, as God does. Psalm 34:18 says, “The righteous cry out, the Lord hears and he rescues them from all their afflictions.” Are you ready to listen to Jesus and allow his Word to dwell in you so that one day we enjoy John the Baptist in heaven? John the Baptist also inspires us to live a humble and a life of service like him. Are you ready to be inspired by John the Baptist
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus, thank you for your patient revelation of the good news of salvation. I embrace it with all my soul. I welcome it into my heart as Mary welcomed Baby Jesus into hers. Help me to do your will out of love this Advent, now and forever. Amen.
Be blessed
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