Third Sunday of Advent: C: December 15, 2024

 HE WHO IS MIGHTIER THAN I IS COMING

First Reading: Zephaniah 3: 14-18

Second Reading: Philippians 4: 4-7

Gospel Reading: Luke 3: 10-18

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Zephaniah. Zephaniah gives a message of hope for the people of Israel. He foretells the days of great rejoicing and gladness because the salvation of Israel is at hand. He assures them that the Lord God Himself stands in their midst as the King and protector of His people. The Lord God removes the judgement against His chosen people and He turns away their enemies.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians. Paul urges the Christian community there and all of us to rejoice in the Lord to be free from all anxieties and to live in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving. The Apostle wishes that the peace of God will be always in our hearts and minds. 

John the Baptist witnesses to Jesus Christ                                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. People from various walks of life ask John the Baptist what they are expected to do for the coming of the Messiah: The anointed one.  John gives some down-to-earth advice for their consideration and action. He asks them to share their surplus goods and clothes with the hungry and the naked. He advises the tax-collectors not to rob the people but collect only what they are entitled to and nothing more. He instructs the soldiers not to intimidate the common folk and not to use violence. John appreciates and acknowledges the greatness of Jesus. So he tells his disciples: "He who is mightier than I is coming." Hence, John gives witness to Jesus the anointed one. He humbly accepts that he is not the anointed one (The Messiah). John was a contemporary of Jesus. In fact, he was a cousin of Jesus. He was the son of Zachariah and Elizabeth the cousin of Mary the mother of Jesus. John's birth  preceded the birth of Jesus. Yet, John humbly accepts the pre-eminence of Jesus. He always puts Jesus first more than his own self. This is evident from his response: "I must decrease and He must increase", when told that Jesus is baptizing at Jordan and His followers are increasing. John the Baptist is our role model for our Advent preparations. Like John, we are called to humbly accept our limitations and littleness. That we are not the Christ, not one of the great prophets, not one of the great preachers or miracle workers. In all humility, we have to accept that we are simple, humble followers of the Lord and like John we too are called to witness to the Lord in our own little ways. In this context, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "The season of Advent is like spring-time in nature, when everything is renewed and so is fresh and healthy. Advent is also meant to do this for us - to refresh us and to make us healthy to be able to receive Christ in whatever form He may come to us." And Antony Padovano says: "No one can claim to be a follower of Christ and remain entirely unlike the Master whom he professes to love." May the Lord Jesus Bless you abundantly during this holy season of Advent and inspire you to prepare for His coming as John the Baptist did. Amen.

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph December 15, 2024". Thanks.)