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Note: Use the reflections in this chapter through December 16. On December 17 skip to the next chapter for the proper reflections.
Rejoicing in the Cross
Third Sunday of Advent (Year A)
“Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” Matthew 11:4–6
Suppose a priest came to your church to put on a parish mission, and during that mission he miraculously healed the blind, crippled, terminally ill, and deaf. What if he even raised the dead to life? How would you respond? Most likely with amazement! You’d contact everyone close to you and tell them about those miracles, encouraging them to attend the next session.
Though Jesus’ ministry was filled with miracles, they were far from the most important part of His mission. His miracles healed bodies that would eventually die, but His preaching healed souls that would live forever because His preaching ultimately pointed to His greatest work—to suffer and die for the salvation of souls.
If you were alive as Jesus walked the earth, performed miracles, preached the Good News, suffered death and rose again, which of His actions would have the greatest effect on you? When we consider our Lord’s mission, we must consider it all as one unified whole, not missing the most important aspects. From a faith perspective, Jesus’ suffering, death, and Resurrection are clearly His greatest acts. By freely embracing suffering and death, He transformed the worst into the best: the consequence of sin—which is death—into the instrument of eternal life. When Jesus said, “And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me,” He was identifying those as blessed who discovered the great value of His Cross.
If we were to ask Jesus’ first followers whether they would prefer to see Jesus perform miracles or suffer and die, most likely they would prefer the miracles. Such a question might have even left them confused. Why would anyone want to see a great prophet suffer and die? Yet, today, from a theological perspective, it is clear that Jesus’ suffering, death, and Resurrection are the greatest acts in human history.
Imagine being our Blessed Mother who witnessed it all, stood by her Son as He endured His Cross, and rejoiced with Him when He rose. Unquestionably, if we asked our Blessed Mother whether she preferred to see a few miracles from her Son or to witness His perfect sacrifice that brought salvation to the world, her holy and sorrowful heart would choose the latter.
Reflect today on these questions within the context of your own life. When you pray, do you primarily ask for favors, blessings, or miracles? Or do you primarily pray for the Cross? Do you see greater value in having God remove some suffering from your life or in transforming your suffering by the power of His Cross? Ask for the grace to die with our Lord, to become a living sacrifice of love, and to have the strength to lay down your life for others. By choosing that which has eternal value, you choose the better part and will rejoice in that better part forever.
My sacrificial Lord, You invite me to take no offense at Your suffering and death; to see beyond the pain, blood, and physical death; and to discover the unfathomable riches of Your Sacrifice. Please give me the eyes of faith to see the value of not only accepting Your Cross, but also to see the value of living Your Passion in my own life by laying down my life with You. Jesus, I trust in You.
Note: Use the reflections in this chapter through December 16. On December 17 skip to the next chapter for the proper reflections.
Sharing in the Angelic Mission
Third Sunday of Advent (Year B)
A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. John 1:6–8
John the Baptist was “sent from God.” This made him God’s messenger. Saint John Chrysostom says of John: “it is the excellence of a messenger, to say nothing of his own.” John’s ministry was not his own idea. He did not prepare creative sermons with his own skill. He did not go to school to learn the art of being a rhetorician. His mission was very simple. He said what God told him to say—nothing more, nothing less, nothing other.
There was a heresy in the early Church that taught that John was an angel. In addressing this heresy, Saint Thomas Aquinas says in his commentary on the Gospel of John, “Indeed, although John was not an angel in nature, he was so by his office, because he was sent from God.” This fascinating statement points to the spiritual reality that although angels are distinct from humans in that they are purely spiritual creatures, humans are called to share in the angelic mission by being messengers.
Because John spoke only that which God inspired him to speak, he was the greatest of messengers, making his mission truly angelic. We must do the same. Evangelizing is not about us. It’s not about impressing people with our story, gaining notoriety for our intelligence, or inspiring people by our artful way with words. Though God might use our personal stories, intelligence, or way with words, we will be authentic messengers when we speak only the message God inspires us to speak and in the way God inspires us to act.
Evangelizing requires great humility. Within the context of sharing the Gospel with others, we are humble when our words and actions are done with attentiveness to the will of God. We must say or do nothing of our own. We must discipline our passions, impulses, and desires so that we do not get in the way of God’s inspired message. Jesus is the Word we must communicate to others. He is the Living Word, meaning, the focus must be on Him, not on us.
Reflect today on the holy mission you share with the angels. Though they communicate in a unique way, as pure spirits, we must also be messengers as God directs. Ponder those whom God inspires you to evangelize. As you do, keep your spiritual ears intently fixed on God. Humbly work to say or do nothing of your own. This is what John did perfectly; we must do the same.
Glorious Word of God, You are the One Whom people need in their lives. You call me to be Your humble messenger of Your holy will. Please help me to keep my mind and heart open to Your inspiration so that You can better entrust me with the message that those around me need to hear. Jesus, I trust in You.
Note: Use the reflections in this chapter through December 16. On December 17 skip to the next chapter for the proper reflections.
Charity and Repentance
Third Sunday of Advent (Year C)
The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Luke 3:10–11
The crowds that were going out into the desert to hear John the Baptist preach asked John what they should do after John had harshly chastised them, saying, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance…” (Luke 3:7–8).
At that time, vipers were associated with deceit, danger, and death. It was a common belief that when a female viper’s internal eggs were fertilized by the male viper, she would then kill the male. People also believed that once the offspring were born, they would kill the mother. Though scientifically inaccurate, this common belief sheds light on John’s harsh criticism and the actions of those whom he referred to as vipers.
Many people at that time believed they would be saved simply because they were Abraham’s descendents. By rebuking them as a “brood of vipers,” John highlights the fact that many of them rejected their lineage because they rejected the message of the prophets who continuously called the people to repentance and fidelity to the Covenant. As the final and greatest prophet of the Old Testament, John’s message of repentance directed the people back to the message of the prophets whom they ‘killed’ by their refusal to repent.
Today, there are many who need to hear the same message. It is common for people today to believe they will be saved simply because they were born into a Catholic family. Though baptism is the gateway to a life of grace, Baptism alone will not save us; it must be coupled with repentance and charity.
By telling the people they must produce good fruit as evidence of their repentance and then by offering them concrete ways to do so—such as sharing their clothing and food with the needy—John demanded that the people be authentic children of Abraham who followed not only the Ten Commandments, but also the preaching of the many prophets who came before him. He gave similar practical direction to the tax collectors and soldiers who came to be baptized.
Reflect today on whether there is charity in your life that clearly illustrates the “good fruit as evidence of your repentance.” Charity is much different than natural love. Natural love is an emotion, drawing us to those things we like. Charity is selfless and sacrificial, drawing us to do that which is good for those around us, especially that which points them to Christ and salvation. Charity is life-giving, not a selfish taking. Without authentic Christian charity in our lives, we remain unrepentant and deserve the rebuke of being called a “brood of vipers.” Listen to John’s preaching today and produce the good fruit that comes only by being authentically united with Christ our Lord and Savior through repentance from sin and the manifestation of true charity.
My charitable Lord, You not only manifested perfect charity in Your life, You also enabled me to love with Your Heart when I repent from my sin. May I heed John the Baptist’s chastisement by living my baptism in a selfless and sacrificial way, loving others and You with the charity in Your Sacred Heart. Jesus, I trust in You.
Note: Use the reflections in this chapter through December 16. On December 17 skip to the next chapter for the proper reflections.
Confronting Irrationality
Monday of the Third Week of Advent
When Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” Matthew 21:25–27
The chief priests and the elders of the people were supposed to shepherd the people into eternal salvation. They were supposed to be instruments of God’s divine will, prophetic voices, and priests who offered holy sacrifices for the atonement of sin. In practice, they were none of those things.
As this Gospel passage progresses, we see more clearly why Jesus rebuked them so firmly. “Jesus said to them in reply, ‘I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?’” (Matthew 21:24–25). The religious leaders refused to answer the question because neither answer suited their agenda. If they said John’s baptism was of heavenly origin, they feared that Jesus would ask them why they didn’t believe John. If they said of earthly origin, they feared the crowd who believed John to be a prophet. So they took the easy way out and said, “We do not know.” As a result, Jesus did not answer their question.
Jesus’ response to these religious leaders gives us insight into how to respond to those in our lives who directly challenge our faith. At times, we might encounter criticism that is irrational. We might be tempted to get angry and engage that irrational criticism. This often leads to an unproductive conversation.
Our Lord’s approach to irrationality in this passage was quite different. Though Jesus judged these religious leaders as God, His human interaction with them was not judgmental or defensive. Instead, He asked a question that forced them to face their irrationality, bringing it into the light. When they refused to admit their irrationality, Jesus remained silent.
One thing this tells us is that it is rarely beneficial to engage a person on the level of their irrationality. Silently forgiving their judgment does not mean we need to engage them in it. If someone confronts us with humility and sincerity, this opens the door to a healthy conversation. If their questioning of our actions is irrational, it’s often best ignored. This approach is loving because it imitates our Lord and diffuses the irrational criticism, opening the door to a more healthy conversation later.
Reflect today on whether Jesus’ experience with the irrational religious leaders of His time is something you experience with those in your life. Though some people are blessed to be surrounded by very supportive and faith-filled family and friends, others are not. Ponder the ways God wants you to live your faith openly, even if it draws criticism. When it does, try to imitate the humility and wisdom Jesus manifested so that you are not drawn into unhealthy and irrational conversations.
Lord of true Wisdom, You always knew how to interact with people with perfect charity and truth. To those who needed Your compassion, You were compassionate. To those who were irrational, You humbly revealed their irrationality. Please give me the gift of wisdom so that I will always relate to those in my life in accord with Your holy will. Jesus, I trust in You.
Note: Use the reflections in this chapter through December 16. On December 17 skip to the next chapter for the proper reflections.
Humbly Repent and Obey
Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
“What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” Matthew 21:28–31
Jesus addressed this question to the chief priests and elders of the people. As the passage continues, Jesus humbles them by saying, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.” He explains that the chief priests and elders of the people were like the second son. They gave lip service to God’s commands but failed to humbly repent and obey.
The fact that “tax collectors and prostitutes” were entering the Kingdom of God should give us great hope. No one is beyond God’s mercy if they humbly listen to Him, repent, and begin to obey. Though neither son’s response is ideal, hopefully we are more like the first son.
When we hear God’s Word and understand His continuously deepening call to holiness, we will find it challenging. Often, our first reaction to a deeper revelation of the Gospel is “No!” Our sinful habits are hard to break, and our fallen human nature is difficult to align with God’s will. Don’t be surprised if you find God’s will initially challenging.
As God’s voice and His will become clearer, our first response must always be repentance. This should not surprise us. We must learn to build a habit of repentance if we want to grow closer to God and live His will. Initially, we often react to repentance in a negative way, but we shouldn’t. Though we might be like the first son and say “no” when God calls us to obedience, if we build a habit of repentance, then we will eventually find great joy in that act. Over time, we will find that our response becomes “Yes, I will go,” and then we go, having discovered the value in obedience.
Reflect today on whether you often pay lip service to God, pretending to do His will, or if you regularly experience God’s call to repentance on a deepening level. Identify yourself with the repentant tax collectors and prostitutes, and imitate their humility when they were confronted with their sins. Know that repentance is the beginning of freedom and is the first step toward greater unity with God.
My demanding Lord, every command You issue is a command of love. Though obedience to You is often initially challenging, help me to see the great value in it. Give me the courage and fidelity I need to hear Your voice, repent of my sin, and obey You in all things. Jesus, I trust in You.
Note: Use the reflections in this chapter through December 16. On December 17 skip to the next chapter for the proper reflections.
The Mission of the Messiah
Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
At that time, John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Luke 7:18–19
The prophet Isaiah said that when the Messiah would come, “the eyes of the blind shall see, and the ears of the deaf be opened; Then the lame shall leap like a stag, and the mute tongue sing for joy” (Isaiah 35:5–6). For that reason, when John the Baptist’s two disciples came to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah, Jesus responded, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them” (Luke 7:22).
Jesus was indeed the Messiah! The works that He performed and the Good News that He proclaimed confirmed it. He was the One of Whom the prophet Isaiah had spoken, the One for whom the people of God had been waiting.
Though most people today have never seen a physical miracle take place, Jesus’ miracles continue to testify to us on His behalf. We must allow His miracles to convince us that He is our Messiah and that we must follow Him alone. That will lead us to the confident embrace of all that He proclaimed in His public ministry.
Sometimes we long for miracles to happen more than we long to accept Jesus into our lives as our Messiah. Miracles were not the ultimate purpose of Jesus’ ministry; they were the signs He used to give testimony to Who He was and is. That testimony that took place long ago is as much for us today as it was for the people who witnessed those signs.
As we ponder John the Baptist sending his disciples to Jesus from prison, see yourself in John. Though John only witnessed the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and might not have witnessed any of His miracles, others’ testimony about the miracles sufficed for him to believe Jesus was the Messiah about whom Isaiah prophesied. Similarly, the witness of those first disciples who were present at Jesus’ many miracles must suffice for us to believe. Once we believe, the most important aspect of our Lord’s mission will take place in our lives. We will be open to and hear the proclamation of the Gospel. It is the Gospel, far more than physical miracles, that will change us for eternity.
Reflect today on what you most often pray for and seek from God. Though it is good to pray for the suffering and sick, it is even more important to pray for and listen to the full Gospel message that the Messiah proclaimed and continues to proclaim today. First and foremost, pray that you and those for whom you pray will be open daily to all that God says, so that the mission of the Messiah will have eternal effects in our lives.
My Lord and Messiah, You came to Earth to save us from sin and to pour forth Your grace into our lives. Please open my heart to Your grace so that Your Messianic mission will transform me into the servant I am called to be. Jesus, I trust in You.
Note: Use the reflections in this chapter through December 16. On December 17 skip to the next chapter for the proper reflections.
The Humble of Heart
Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
When the messengers of John the Baptist had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. “What did you go out to the desert to see…?” Luke 7:24
Jesus asks the crowd this question three times. The first time, Jesus rhetorically asks if they went out to see “a reed swayed by the wind?” This indicates that John was not someone who wavered in his preaching or compromised based on public opinion. His message was firm and clear, regardless of whether it was accepted or not.
In our lives, we must first seek out the truth, even if it is difficult to hear. The Gospel will always challenge us and push us out of our comfort zone. When we are aware of that, we will more easily accept and embrace the Gospel’s transforming message and the call to repentance. We must also learn from John how we share the truth with others. Though charity must always be the foundation of what we say and do, charity must be grounded in the truth. If others react negatively to what we say or the example we set, we cannot allow that opposition to weaken our resolve to be instruments of the saving truth of the Gospel.
The second time, Jesus rhetorically asks if they went out to see “Someone dressed in fine garments?” In other words, the true Gospel will not be one of comfort, material prosperity, or worldly prestige. The things of this world are passing away. When we seek out the true Gospel, we will find only that which is eternal. Poverty, sacrifice, simplicity, humility, and generosity are among the many qualities in which the true Gospel will be preached and lived.
Jesus concludes by asking, “Then what did you go out to see? A Prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom Scripture says: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you. I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John…” (Luke 7: 26–28).
Those who accepted John’s baptism were primarily the marginalized, tax collectors, and prostitutes. As a result, they were immediately prepared for Christ’s ministry that was just on the horizon. Of course, if the wealthy, influential, and powerful and the Pharisees and scholars of the law humbled themselves by accepting John’s ministry, they would have also been prepared to receive the Gospel of the Kingdom that Christ came to institute. Sadly, they were clearly among those who were more like “a reed swaying in the wind” and those who “dressed in fine garments.”
Reflect today on which group of people you choose to associate with. Choose to be among the poor, simple, sinner, and marginalized. Humility will help you to cut through the vanities of this world and other selfish tendencies so that you, too, will “acknowledge the righteousness of God,” daily repent of the sins God reveals to you, and trust in His saving Gospel and grace.
My truthful Lord, Your Word pierces the heart of sinners and reveals to them their need to repent and turn to You. Please humble me so that I will be better prepared for Your Word and will never hesitate in turning to You and away from sin. Free me from all worldly tendencies and pride so that I will be among the humble of heart who follow You. Jesus, I trust in You.
Note: Use the reflections in this chapter through December 16. On December 17 skip to the next chapter for the proper reflections.
The Radiant Fire of Grace
Friday of the Third Week of Advent
“John was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.” John 5:35–36
This metaphor that likens John to “a burning and shining lamp” in which John’s followers “for a while were content to rejoice in” gives us insight into the ongoing conversion and interior transformation to which we are called. Saying “Yes” to Christ at the beginning of our faith journey is only the first step. Too often, people stop there and are content with that initial choice. The Gospel, however, continuously calls us deeper. Refraining from serious sin and believing in God is step one. But there are many more steps that must follow if we want to be wholehearted followers of Christ so as to prepare ourselves for the highest heights of eternal glory!
When we first hear the Gospel and respond to its saving message, we discover peace and joy. Even a child who begins to discover Who God is finds joy in being a Christian. When children make their first Communion and Reconciliation, learn about the Gospel stories, and discover what is right and wrong, they find contentment and enthusiasm in obeying God’s will and beginning to pray. Similarly, when an adult has an initial moment of personal conversion and makes an authentic choice to follow God, begin a life of prayer, and live more in alignment with God’s will, this is accompanied by joy and peace.
Perhaps the most important part of this Gospel passage is when Jesus says, “I have testimony greater than John’s.” John’s message, to repent and look for the Messiah, is our first step, not the final step. When Jesus goes on to speak of the “works that the Father gave me to accomplish,” He is referring to His entire public ministry, His death and Resurrection, His outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the effects that those saving acts will have on each of our lives throughout time and eternity.
Even though John’s initial message of repentance is a shining light that brings joy to the heart, everything that came after John, in the Person of our Lord, is a radiant Sun that shines brighter than we can imagine. It is God’s desire that we slowly and continuously turn to His radiant Light, which is Himself, and bask more fully in that light every day. This requires ongoing conversion, a deeper purification of sinful habits, a more active prayer life, and an increase in charity.
The great saints who have gone before us testify to the fact that there is a difference between being good and being a saint. Being good is like those who bask in that burning and shining lamp. Being a saint is like being drawn into the radiance of the sun, being set on fire with our Lord’s burning Heart of charity.
Reflect today on the spiritual truth that God has so much more for us. God is so holy, so glorious, so transcendent, that we must never tire of growing in holiness. As you consider your own life, try to turn away from contentment and complacency and make a more radical choice to turn to the omnipotent radiance of God. Allow Him to rekindle the flame of faith in your life and to fan it into a blazing fire. In Heaven, we will never regret any selfless sacrifice we make that leads us to that glorious end.
Most radiant Lord, at times I am complacent in my love for You and fail to allow You to draw me closer so as to share in the radiance of the transforming fire of Your love. Please rekindle within me a desire for more of You, and give me the courage I need to do all that is necessary to become a great saint. Jesus, I trust in You.
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