It is much easier to read about heroes than to be one

Greetings on this the Third Sunday of Advent
Readings: Is 35:1-6a, 10; Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10.; Jas 5:7-10; Mt 11:2-11
Notes: The homily at the 4PM Mass is distinctly different from the 11:00 AM Mass tomorrow. That is because of the intimate relationship between the readings this morning and this afternoon. I will only post one.

Saturday reflection helps us understand Sunday’s homily: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2022/12/10/praise-of-israels-great-ancestors/

Jesus is inviting the people to finish the Praise of Israel’s Great Ancestors by adding a new and final entry: Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, … Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist.

John the Baptist is the final Prophet of the Old Testament and the Initiator of the new. He can be thought of much like Samuel is the bridge between the Period of the Judges and the Period of the Monarchs.

Gaudete Sunday (Rejoice!) is the third Sunday of Advent in the liturgical calendar of Western Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, Lutheran Churches, and other mainline Protestant churches (Wiki).

Rejoice!!

In our gospel portion today, John’s facing near certain death for his preaching.
Jesus reminds him that the oral tradition of remembering all those who served the Lord and all the wonders of God’s love is the best way to encounter the difficulties of the day. Maybe John did not imagine his role as like Elijah’s (quite an honor wouldn’t you say, to be known as such?). Maybe even if he knew he expected the reality on the ground to be more pleasant. It is much easier to read about heroes than to be one.

Be reassured that all you do for the kingdom is for the good of humanity!

It is not a waste:

• to pray
• to heal
• to preach
• to give alms
• to fast
• to help 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!

It is the work of the Divine One you participate in!

Rejoice!!

First reading
Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; they will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.

Responsorial Psalm
Lord, come and save us.

Second reading
Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient.

Alleluia Verse
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.

Gospel Portion
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply, “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.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry