Greetings on this Saturday of the Second Week of Advent
Readings: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13
Notes: None.
Summary
Blessed is he who shall have seen you and who falls asleep in your friendship.
John was a true and good friend. He was focused on the reconciliation of the people with the LORD. John, like Elijah, defeated the falsehoods of his day (see 1 Kings 17-19 for the stories). Elijah’s message was framed in the nation-state context where the power of God is superior to the false gods and mere human alliance. For John the need for truth was in the personal actions and ways of being. In both cases, it wasn’t to shame the people or lord it over them. It was to free people and bring them divine joy.
And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two tunics should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” (LK 3:10-14).
Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people (LK 3:18). He encouraged them. He offered them the seeds of courage to break with the wrong things and to do the right things. He loved them to the good. While we give plenty of words to the stronger messages of John the Baptizer in sacred Scripture, we must not fail to see the love in the 18th verse of the same gospel portion.
He was a true friend. Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people (LK 3:18). And then he gave them the prescriptions of Lk 3:10-14.
“Love and do what you will.” Augustine (354-430). A sermon on love.
John the Baptist LOVED most of all. That is why the people could imagine repentance.
Blessed is he who shall have seen you and who falls asleep in your friendship.
Thank you, John, my friend.
Reflection
In today’s gospel portion the disciples finally understand the relationship between John and Jesus. Elijah was promised. Elijah has come. This time Elijah did not go up to heaven in a chariot and leave behind the successor Elisha with a double portion of his spirit (2 Kgs 2:9). This time ends differently but paradoxically more marvelously.
Suffering Love and a life sacrificed in love. John had it. Jesus had it, not double, but infinitely more.
He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” When we are willing to suffer for the truth and for the better of people, they will respond well. Not all but most.
Personal Reflection
When I tell stories about encounters I am often asked – Did you really say that? And my answer is always no. Or no, not in that way. It can drive you crazy. Example, a person describes a story at work where they were admonished for something they did. And I relied, “Well, you cheated.” Did you really say that? And my answer is no. I did say, “Would it have been better for you to just tell the truth?”
John was a loving and true friend. His publicist makes him the crazy man who wags his finger. I hear a different voice. A kind friend gently urging the better out of and into us. What do you hear? Read LK 3:10-14 with the ears of a man whose friend is talking lovingly to you. Then do likewise.
First Reading
In those days, like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace.
You were destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD, To turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. Blessed is he who shall have seen you and who falls asleep in your friendship.
Responsorial
Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Gospel Acclamation
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Gospel
As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
🙏💯