Second Sunday of Advent, 12/5

In the Season of Advent the liturgy highlights in a special way two figures who prepare for the coming of the Messiah: the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist. Today St Luke presents the latter to us, and he does that discrediting all the mythical interpretations that are often made of the Gospels, by putting the Baptist’s life in its historical context and by writing: “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor... in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas” (Lk 3:1-2). The great event, the birth of Christ, which his contemporaries did not even notice, fits into this historical framework. Benedict XVI says: “For God the great figures of history serve as a frame for the lowly Jesus of Nazareth!” Not only as a frame for Jesus, but also as a frame for you and me when we become little, humble and joyfully obedient to the Father. Are you ok with becoming meek and humble like baby Jesus so you can make a huge impact in humanity?

And about John the Baptist, he is described as “the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight” (Lk 3:4).  We are called to become like John the Baptist in our society, becoming a voice that proclaims the word, but knowing that the Word of God always comes first. He precedes us just as He preceded John the Baptist. The Word of God came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness (see Lk 3:2). In our experience the voice lasts for a moment but the word remains. But if we join our voice, our heart and deeds to the Word of God (Jesus), they will remain for ever, if not they will be transient and pass away. Take away the word, the meaning, and what is the voice? Take away Jesus from your desires and actions, and what are you?  The voice (our life) will become only a meaningless sound. “The voice without the word strikes the ear but does not build up the heart” (St. Augustine).

Fr. Remi