3rd Sunday of Advent (Year A)
Isaiah 35:1-6,10 | Psalm 145(146):6-10 | James 5:7-10 | Matthew 11:2-11
‘I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’ (Matthew 11:11)
Indeed, we are all far removed from what we could be, when we are reunited with our heavenly Father on the last day. This world is but a shadow of a reflection of the kingdom of God, a shadow distorted into an almost unrecognizable blob by steamy sin and tempestuous temptation.
Yet we live in hope, for Christ has given us that hope.
Even the great John the Baptist had his doubt while languishing in prison, unsure if he’d “backed the wrong horse”. I wonder if Jesus’ response to his query in today’s Gospel was actually meant as a gentle rebuke, a kindly “o ye of little faith”.
Of course, we should have no such uncertainty, for after centuries of tumult and schism, Mother Church still stands firm, still preaches the same salvific message: “Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Yet when we encounter trouble at work, or household unrest, or even an irresistible temptation, it can be hard to keep faith with God, and keep practising Christian virtue. These are the times when we need to “double down” in prayer, fasting and generosity, to help us get over the humps of daily life and continue down the Way of Truth and Life.
May we remain steadfast in our love for God and each other, and so depart from this existence with as clean a slate as we can humanly manage, confident that He will grant us the grace we need to stand in His presence and glorify Him forever…next to John the Baptist.
Lord, help us keep our eye on the ultimate prize: glorious reunion with you and the Father in heaven. Help us stay the course of righteousness and love, and give us each day what we need to stay true to You. Amen.