Reflections on the Sunday Readings for 12/14/08 by Deacon Claude

You can find all of this week's Scripture at www.usccb.org/nab/121408.shtml

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.”

(John 1:26-27)

Light the pink candle. Christmas is drawing nearer. And the word we hear is, "rejoice." This Sunday we are flooded with imagery of God's presence in our world and, especially, within our person.

From the First Reading of Isaiah, we are reminded that because God’s spirit is upon us, we are called to reach out to the needy among us. There is no question that we are equipped with God’s spirit to share the good news of salvation. This spirit immerses us in a life force which sends, heals, proclaims, announces. This spirit calls us to bring forth justice and praise.

It might seem quite daunting, but our responsorial psalm is the response of Mary at the Annunciation. Even in the midst of personal uncertainty, the deepest part of our being, our soul, acknowledges the presence of God within us and names with a surety of purpose in acknowledgment of God’s greatness in our lives.

And Paul’s words to the people of Thessalonica remind us not only to rejoice always and to pray without ceasing; Paul states his creed that God is faithful and will accomplish the plan intended for each of us.

So, when John responds to, “Who are you?” he knows his greatness comes, not from being the Messiah, but heralding the way of the Lord.

These Advent days call us to that kind of announcement of faith through our actions; we are not the Messiah. We are preparing His path because we have the certainty that God has so wonderfully gifted us to speak good news to our world through our actions of unconditional, forgiving love. For, as Paul says, “Do not quench the Spirit.” With our whole spirit, soul and body we REJOICE.

Please share your thoughts with us by posting a comment.