BIBLE STUDY # 70
The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
READING 1
NUMBERS 6:22-27
The LORD said to Moses:
"Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:
This is how you shall bless the Israelites.
Say to them:
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon
you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and
give you peace!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites,
and I will bless them."
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
GALATIANS 4:4-7
Brothers and sisters:
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son,
born of a woman, born under the law,
to ransom those under the law,
so that we might receive adoption as sons.
As proof that you are sons,
God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
crying out, "Abba, Father!"
So you are no longer a slave but a son,
and if a son then also an heir, through God.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
LUKE 2:16-21
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.
When eight days were completed for his circumcision,
he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
Today’s Gospel is the continuation of the Gospel for the Mass at Midnight and also its finale. This whole section concerning Jesus birth is broken into three parts: Luke 2:1-7, the setting and birth of Jesus; Luke 2:8-14, the angels giving us the meaning of Jesus; and today’s gospel, Luke 2:16-21, responses to the angelic announcement.
The gospel passage starts with the same shepherds we saw in last week’s gospel, those shepherds who are marginalized in society and are ritually unclean and therefore prohibited from the synagogue and temple. They are the lowly of the lowly, but still heed the call of the angels and find Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, just as the angels said.
After they saw Jesus they, “they made known the message that had been told them about this child.” They are the first evangelizers, spreading the good news that, “today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.” It reminds me of the empty tomb in John 20:6-8: “When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went unto the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths, but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.” The shepherds spread the good news that Jesus is born, while the disciples spread the good news that Jesus s risen; but they both spread the news that Jesus is Savior, Christ and Lord. The shadow of the cross descends on the crib and it will follow him all the way to Calvary.
Here is an aside I thought you might like:
Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?
This is one I can honestly say I have never seen circulating in the emails so; if it touches you, you may want to forward it.
Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes..
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed separate from the grave clothes.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.
She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'
Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.
Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
Was that important? Absolutely!
Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.
The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.
The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.
But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because.....
The folded napkin meant -
''I'm coming back!''
He is Coming Back!
It also seems to me that the shepherds had some success in their evangelizing: “All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds.” Amazed and maybe gratified: those who live in darkness now have the light of the world, accepting them in their lowliness and raising them up. Good news to the underprivileged, the marginalized, and the outcasts. Good news to all those looking for meaning and peace. Good news to all who accept Jesus.
In pondering all these things, it seems to me that Mary didn’t understand what was happening to her. I think that’s why she went to see Elizabeth when both were pregnant. Elizabeth was an older women, full of grace and wisdom, and Mary went to her to talk about was happening to her. She won’t really understand until after the fact, but isn’t that the way with all of us in our own spiritual journeys? We follow God as best we can, and our path becomes clearer and clearer as we go along.
The shepherds returned from spreading the Good News, “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.” This indicates to me how much the shepherds were on fire with the love that God shows in sending his Son as our Savior, Christ, and Lord (see last week’s bible study for the definition of these 3 terms). I hope this Christmas makes the love of God real in our lives and we become on fire with faith with a desire to spread the Good News ourselves.
Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to be circumcised (as John was in 1:57-66) indicating that he was now a member of the Jewish people. Just as Gabriel told them in 1:31, they gave the baby the name Jesus, a name that means “God saves,” indicating Jesus mission in the world (see John 3:16).
The first reading comes from the Book of Numbers, a book that’s one of the first five books in the bible, collectively called the Torah (Pentateuch in Greek), the most solemn and important part of the bible for Jews. We as Christians would look on the 4 Gospels in the same way.
Today’s first reading in called “The Priestly Blessing” and is a blessing for those maintaining the purity of the community and for Nazirites, who are people set apart as sacred, dedicated, and vowed. This vow could be for a limited time period or for life. They abstained from products of the grapevine, cutting or shaving their hair, and fro contact with a corpse.
This blessing is reserved for Moses and the sons of Aaron (the priests of ancient Israel). In those days, when someone received a blessing, it was more than wishing them well; they believed the blessing would be realized and that blessing became a possession that could not be taken away. A blessing was something very tangible and important.
When God ‘shines his face’ or ‘looks upon you’ points to the intimate relationship between God and the people. When God’s face is hidden, it is a sign of misfortune, he has forgotten, he doesn’t see you: out of sight, out of mind. When 2 humans love each other, they look longingly upon each other. When they are displeased, they often say, “I can’t stand the sight of you.” Same idea here between God and the people.
The kind of peace offered here is more than well-being or wholeness; it is much broader and richer and can only be given by God.
In the second reading, Paul is arguing against certain people who insisted that non-Jews who convert to Christianity must be circumcised, observe Jewish feasts, dietary laws and purity rituals. Paul insists that “in the fullness of time,” that is when God decreed it to happen, God sent his Son to ransom us from the Law so we can be adopted sons and daughters of god (be a part of God’s community, the church). God sent us his spirit, so that we are no longer slaves to the Law, but sons and daughters of the Father (see the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-35). We are heirs to eternal life.
Fr. Phil
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
BIBLE STUDY #69
Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Mass at Midnight
READING 1
Isaiah 9:1-6
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy
and great rejoicing,
as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,
as people make merry when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder,
and the rod of their taskmaster
you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
For every boot that tramped in battle,
every cloak rolled in blood,
will be burned as fuel for flames.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast
and forever peaceful,
from David's throne, and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
by judgment and justice,
both now and forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
Titus 2:11-14
Beloved:
The grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of our great God
and savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
Luke 2:1-14
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the whole world should be enrolled.
This was the first enrollment,
when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth
to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and family of David,
to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there,
the time came for her to have her child,
and she gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields
and keeping the night watch over their flock.
The angel of the Lord appeared to them
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were struck with great fear.
The angel said to them,
"Do not be afraid;
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,
praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
There are 4 different Masses for Christmas, each with its’ own set of readings: the Vigil Mass, the Mass at Midnight, the Mass at Dawn, and the Mass during the day. I am using the Mass at Midnight, whose Gospel is the birth of Jesus according to Luke, the one we are all familiar with and want to hear at a Christmas Mass.
Today’s gospel is broken into two sections: 2:1-7, the setting and birth of Jesus, and 2:8-14, the angels giving us the meaning of Jesus.
Caesar Augustus reigned over the Roman Empire from 27 B.C. to 14 A.D. He is regarded in his time as a savior and a god. He established peace in the Empire, a Pax Augustus. It is no accident the Like has Jesus born in this time period. Ironically, it is Jesus who really is God and Savior. Augustus brought peace through conquering people. Jesus brings peace by conquering sin and death. Augustus brings peace by killing other people. Jesus brings peace by offering his life on the cross. Augustus is God’s agent in his plan of salvation (see Isaiah 44:28-45:1 and the story of King Cyrus).
There are some historical problems. Quirinius was Governor of Syria from 6-7 AD which puts him beyond the reign of King Herod (37 B.C. to 4 A.D.) and therefore beyond the story of the Nativity. There is no other evidence that Caesar Augustus ordered a world wide census or that people had to go to their ancestral towns to register. These things are not meant to be historical, but belong to the order of promise and fulfillment. The census gives Mary and Joseph a reason to be in Bethlehem for Jesus birth. The Messiah is to come from Bethlehem, the city of David, who is his long awaited heir and Messiah. Joseph is “of the house and family of David” highlighting Jesus connection to David (one of Jesus titles is Son of David – see Mark 10:46).
Mary is described as “betrothed to Joseph.” You have probably heard many a Christmas homily in which the preacher described Mary as an unwed, teenager giving birth to a Son, or something to that effect. This is not true. Mary is not single, she is married. When we think of a betrothal, we think of a modern engagement, when two people publicly state their intention to get married, solemnized by the man giving the woman a ring, at which time they are engaged to be married, but are not married until they exchange vows with each other. This was not true in Jesus day. According to the footnote to Matthew 1:18 in the Revised New American Bible, “betrothal was the first part of the marriage, constituting a man and a woman as husband and wife. Subsequent infidelity was considered adultery. The betrothal was followed some months later by the husband’s taking his wife into his home, at which time married life began.” Joseph wanted to divorce Mary quietly after he found out she was pregnant. You have to be married first before you can be divorced. Therefore, Mary was a married woman when she gave birth to Jesus.
The birth of Jesus seems almost anticlimactic, doesn’t it? After this big buildup, the birth is plainly stated: “the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son.” No embellishments, no descriptions, no fanfare, just the simple facts (sounds like Sgt. Joe Friday on Dragnet: “Just the facts, Ma’am”).
Jesus is described as the first born son. This does not mean that there were others and he was the first. It is a legal description saying that Jesus has all the rights and privileges of the first born son.
Mary dressed Jesus in “swaddling clothes.” In Wisdom 7:4, the great King Solomon was dressed in the swaddling clothes, just like any other infant. Jesus is like us in all things but sin. From his humble beginnings, he will go on to do great things, much greater than the great King Solomon.
A manger was a feeding trough for animals. One of the great themes in Luke’s gospel is food and feeding. For example, in the temptation of Jesus in chapter 4:3, Jesus is tempted by Satan to turn stones into bread; the question of fasting in 5:33; the Sermon on the Plain in 8:1 (Blessed are you who are hungry, you will be satisfied); and the feeding of the 5,000 in 9:10. The manger makes us think of Jesus as sustenance for the world, the Bread of Life. The last night of his life, Jesus hosts a meal at an inn (now there is room at the inn) in which he institutes the Eucharist.
Shepherds are a reminder of the humble origin of King David as a shepherd. Shepherds are keeping in line with Luke’s theme of poverty: they are the lowliest of the lowly and ritually unclean. They are the first to hear of Jesus’ birth, a sign of the inclusiveness of salvation.
The shepherds hear the message of Jesus birth from an angel. The job of angels is to be messengers from God. They have a message of great joy: a savior has been born who is Christ and Lord. Joy is also a recurrent theme in Luke’s Gospel, here it is joy in the Son of God’s salvific inbreaking into the human race. God became human so we can become divine.
Luke’s Gospel is the only one that describes Jesus as Savior. As Savior, Jesus is the one who offers his life for our sins, conquers death, and delivers humanity from alienation with God. The term “Christ” is a Greek word that means Messiah or Anointed One. This title was applied to the person, a royal leader, who would restore Israel to its greatness. The political overtones are toned down in Like’s Gospel, and instead the term “Messiah” is the one who brings salvation to all, Jew and Gentile alike. Lord is a title used very frequently in Luke and Acts for Jesus. In both the old and New Testament it refers to Yahweh. When applied to Jesus, it refers to his divinity and authority over humanity. Here, then, is the meaning of this passage.
Peace – we hear a lot about that this time of year. Our gospel states, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." This says that when God’s favor rests on us, we will feel his peace. How do we receive God’s favor? By doing the will of the Son. That’s what much of the rest of the Gospel is about. Saying yes to God like Mary and letting the Lord be our guide and inspiration. He will then bless us abundantly, and we, in turn, can share God’s love with others so they can also feel His peace.
As we approach the great celebration of the birth of our Savior, we remember all the ways that God has blessed us. For some, 2011 may have been a good year; for many here in Lincoln Park, there have been many struggles and problems but also happiness and good times mixed in all together. In any event, we are always people of hope and gratitude because of what God has done for us by sending his Son as our Savior. Christmas is always a sign of hope because this holiday shows us the impossible becoming possible. As the angel Gabriel said to Mary in the Annunciation: “Nothing is impossible for God.” We know that no matter how many struggles we have, God’s grace and strength will see us through. We can be peaceful at all times because of God’s presence in our lives. I invite everybody to take a minute and invite the Lord into your heart. Let his presence surround you, inspire you, and guide you to a joyful life. May you always feel his peace and love. May you and all your family have a blessed and joyful Christmas.
Fr. Phil
Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Mass at Midnight
READING 1
Isaiah 9:1-6
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy
and great rejoicing,
as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,
as people make merry when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder,
and the rod of their taskmaster
you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
For every boot that tramped in battle,
every cloak rolled in blood,
will be burned as fuel for flames.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast
and forever peaceful,
from David's throne, and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
by judgment and justice,
both now and forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
Titus 2:11-14
Beloved:
The grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of our great God
and savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
Luke 2:1-14
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the whole world should be enrolled.
This was the first enrollment,
when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth
to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and family of David,
to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there,
the time came for her to have her child,
and she gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields
and keeping the night watch over their flock.
The angel of the Lord appeared to them
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were struck with great fear.
The angel said to them,
"Do not be afraid;
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,
praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
There are 4 different Masses for Christmas, each with its’ own set of readings: the Vigil Mass, the Mass at Midnight, the Mass at Dawn, and the Mass during the day. I am using the Mass at Midnight, whose Gospel is the birth of Jesus according to Luke, the one we are all familiar with and want to hear at a Christmas Mass.
Today’s gospel is broken into two sections: 2:1-7, the setting and birth of Jesus, and 2:8-14, the angels giving us the meaning of Jesus.
Caesar Augustus reigned over the Roman Empire from 27 B.C. to 14 A.D. He is regarded in his time as a savior and a god. He established peace in the Empire, a Pax Augustus. It is no accident the Like has Jesus born in this time period. Ironically, it is Jesus who really is God and Savior. Augustus brought peace through conquering people. Jesus brings peace by conquering sin and death. Augustus brings peace by killing other people. Jesus brings peace by offering his life on the cross. Augustus is God’s agent in his plan of salvation (see Isaiah 44:28-45:1 and the story of King Cyrus).
There are some historical problems. Quirinius was Governor of Syria from 6-7 AD which puts him beyond the reign of King Herod (37 B.C. to 4 A.D.) and therefore beyond the story of the Nativity. There is no other evidence that Caesar Augustus ordered a world wide census or that people had to go to their ancestral towns to register. These things are not meant to be historical, but belong to the order of promise and fulfillment. The census gives Mary and Joseph a reason to be in Bethlehem for Jesus birth. The Messiah is to come from Bethlehem, the city of David, who is his long awaited heir and Messiah. Joseph is “of the house and family of David” highlighting Jesus connection to David (one of Jesus titles is Son of David – see Mark 10:46).
Mary is described as “betrothed to Joseph.” You have probably heard many a Christmas homily in which the preacher described Mary as an unwed, teenager giving birth to a Son, or something to that effect. This is not true. Mary is not single, she is married. When we think of a betrothal, we think of a modern engagement, when two people publicly state their intention to get married, solemnized by the man giving the woman a ring, at which time they are engaged to be married, but are not married until they exchange vows with each other. This was not true in Jesus day. According to the footnote to Matthew 1:18 in the Revised New American Bible, “betrothal was the first part of the marriage, constituting a man and a woman as husband and wife. Subsequent infidelity was considered adultery. The betrothal was followed some months later by the husband’s taking his wife into his home, at which time married life began.” Joseph wanted to divorce Mary quietly after he found out she was pregnant. You have to be married first before you can be divorced. Therefore, Mary was a married woman when she gave birth to Jesus.
The birth of Jesus seems almost anticlimactic, doesn’t it? After this big buildup, the birth is plainly stated: “the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son.” No embellishments, no descriptions, no fanfare, just the simple facts (sounds like Sgt. Joe Friday on Dragnet: “Just the facts, Ma’am”).
Jesus is described as the first born son. This does not mean that there were others and he was the first. It is a legal description saying that Jesus has all the rights and privileges of the first born son.
Mary dressed Jesus in “swaddling clothes.” In Wisdom 7:4, the great King Solomon was dressed in the swaddling clothes, just like any other infant. Jesus is like us in all things but sin. From his humble beginnings, he will go on to do great things, much greater than the great King Solomon.
A manger was a feeding trough for animals. One of the great themes in Luke’s gospel is food and feeding. For example, in the temptation of Jesus in chapter 4:3, Jesus is tempted by Satan to turn stones into bread; the question of fasting in 5:33; the Sermon on the Plain in 8:1 (Blessed are you who are hungry, you will be satisfied); and the feeding of the 5,000 in 9:10. The manger makes us think of Jesus as sustenance for the world, the Bread of Life. The last night of his life, Jesus hosts a meal at an inn (now there is room at the inn) in which he institutes the Eucharist.
Shepherds are a reminder of the humble origin of King David as a shepherd. Shepherds are keeping in line with Luke’s theme of poverty: they are the lowliest of the lowly and ritually unclean. They are the first to hear of Jesus’ birth, a sign of the inclusiveness of salvation.
The shepherds hear the message of Jesus birth from an angel. The job of angels is to be messengers from God. They have a message of great joy: a savior has been born who is Christ and Lord. Joy is also a recurrent theme in Luke’s Gospel, here it is joy in the Son of God’s salvific inbreaking into the human race. God became human so we can become divine.
Luke’s Gospel is the only one that describes Jesus as Savior. As Savior, Jesus is the one who offers his life for our sins, conquers death, and delivers humanity from alienation with God. The term “Christ” is a Greek word that means Messiah or Anointed One. This title was applied to the person, a royal leader, who would restore Israel to its greatness. The political overtones are toned down in Like’s Gospel, and instead the term “Messiah” is the one who brings salvation to all, Jew and Gentile alike. Lord is a title used very frequently in Luke and Acts for Jesus. In both the old and New Testament it refers to Yahweh. When applied to Jesus, it refers to his divinity and authority over humanity. Here, then, is the meaning of this passage.
Peace – we hear a lot about that this time of year. Our gospel states, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." This says that when God’s favor rests on us, we will feel his peace. How do we receive God’s favor? By doing the will of the Son. That’s what much of the rest of the Gospel is about. Saying yes to God like Mary and letting the Lord be our guide and inspiration. He will then bless us abundantly, and we, in turn, can share God’s love with others so they can also feel His peace.
As we approach the great celebration of the birth of our Savior, we remember all the ways that God has blessed us. For some, 2011 may have been a good year; for many here in Lincoln Park, there have been many struggles and problems but also happiness and good times mixed in all together. In any event, we are always people of hope and gratitude because of what God has done for us by sending his Son as our Savior. Christmas is always a sign of hope because this holiday shows us the impossible becoming possible. As the angel Gabriel said to Mary in the Annunciation: “Nothing is impossible for God.” We know that no matter how many struggles we have, God’s grace and strength will see us through. We can be peaceful at all times because of God’s presence in our lives. I invite everybody to take a minute and invite the Lord into your heart. Let his presence surround you, inspire you, and guide you to a joyful life. May you always feel his peace and love. May you and all your family have a blessed and joyful Christmas.
Fr. Phil
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
BIBLE STUDY #68
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 18, 2011
READING 1
2 SM 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16
When King David was settled in his palace,
and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,
he said to Nathan the prophet,
"Here I am living in a house of cedar,
while the ark of God dwells in a tent!"
Nathan answered the king,
"Go, do whatever you have in mind,
for the LORD is with you."
But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:
"Go, tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD:
Should you build me a house to dwell in?'
"'It was I who took you from the pasture
and from the care of the flock
to be commander of my people Israel.
I have been with you wherever you went,
and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.
And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.
I will fix a place for my people Israel;
I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place
without further disturbance.
Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old,
since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel.
I will give you rest from all your enemies.
The LORD also reveals to you
that he will establish a house for you.
And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,
I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,
and I will make his kingdom firm.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever."
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
ROM 16:25-27
Brothers and sisters:
To him who can strengthen you,
according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ,
according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages
but now manifested through the prophetic writings and,
according to the command of the eternal God,
made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith,
to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ
be glory forever and ever. Amen
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
LK 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin's name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
"Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
"Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end."
But Mary said to the angel,
"How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?"
And the angel said to her in reply,
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God."
Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word."
Then the angel departed from her.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
Our Gospel today is the Annunciation, the announcement of the birth of Jesus given to Mary by the angel Gabriel, an angel who appears four times in Scripture and each time brings a momentous message from God, which is the mission of angels: 1) he interpreted to Daniel the vision of the ram and the goat (Daniel 8:16-17); 2) he explained the vision of the 70 weeks in Daniel 9:21-22; 3) he announced to Zechariah the birth of John, forerunner of the Messiah, and 4) he announced the birth of Jesus to Mary.
Mary is a “virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.” This is important, because the Messiah is to come from the house of David. We see in the first reading that God says to David, “I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.” This is thought to be a prophecy concerning that the messiah is to come from David’s lineage and is referring to Jesus.
Gabriel addresses Mary with the words: "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." Mary is troubled by these words out of her sense of humility, not thinking that this description is appropriate for her.
Gabriel then tells Mary that she will bear a son, name him Jesus, “he will be called Son of the Most High, he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." In other words, she will be the mother of the Messiah, Jesus, the Son of God.
That’s kind of a lot to take in all at once. I think most of us would be a bit overwhelmed by this kind of message. Would we believe the angel’s message? Would we even believe in the angel at all? Mary questions the angel for clarification: "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" Notice that she doesn’t question that it is really Gabriel, nor does she question if it is possible at all. She just wants clarification of how it will happen.
Gabriel explains and even tells her about Elizabeth, her cousin beyond childbearing years, who will give birth to John the Baptist, almost as if he is trying to convince her to say yes, since nothing is impossible for God. Implicit in the dialogue is that Mary can say yes to God, or can turn him down. God respects our free will and would never force us to do anything against our will.
More importantly, I think, is that when one says yes to something or someone, they are more committed. When one makes a conscious decision to follow a certain path no matter what, they will be much more likely to follow through to the end. A good example is marriage. When 2 people fall in love and marry, I would hope that they would be committed enough to do what is necessary to make that marriage work. I certainly see plenty of that around here.
When Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word," it didn’t guarantee her an easy life without any pain or hardship, nor did it guarantee that she would understand everything, nor did it guarantee that she would always get her way. Following God’s call brought her faith and a closeness to God that can’t be broken by anyone or anything. It brought a peace and a happiness that can only come from God. Sounds a lot like a good marriage, doesn’t it?
In the first reading, God has given David victory over his enemies and now gives David time to rest. David wants to build a temple for God because "Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!" He also wanted to build a temple so it would be a unifying factor for the country (David had recently brought Judah and Israel together to form the country of Israel), and to have a permanent and central place of worship. Nathan the Prophet tells him to go ahead, but God has other ideas. God doesn’t want to be limited to a temple or to be confined in any one spot. The temple was not to be in David’s time. God then builds a house for David; not of brick or stone, but of people. The house of David will last forever bring about a Messiah.
God is different than the pagan gods of shrines and high places. God was intimately involved in David’s life: all of David’s fame and success is due to God’s presence in his life. God wants to guide and inspire us also. Do we let that happen, or are we too self sufficient?
Mary did not clearly understand what she was undertaking but she trusted God and said yes anyway. God guided and directed her in her life. When we give ourselves to God, we don’t know where that will lead. We may not understand until after the fact, if at all, but we follow anyway because God works in mysterious and even sacramental ways through us. We all have a place in God’s plan of salvation. Like Mary, let’s say yes and help bring about the kingdom.
The second reading from Romans is Paul’s farewell address to the church in Rome. Even though he didn’t write a gospel per se, he considers his preaching good news, hence the term gospel in today’s reading. He preaches that justification and salvation are God’s gracious gifts given to us through Jesus Christ. These gifts are not limited to any one group of people, but are available to all people.
Fr. Phil
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 18, 2011
READING 1
2 SM 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16
When King David was settled in his palace,
and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,
he said to Nathan the prophet,
"Here I am living in a house of cedar,
while the ark of God dwells in a tent!"
Nathan answered the king,
"Go, do whatever you have in mind,
for the LORD is with you."
But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:
"Go, tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD:
Should you build me a house to dwell in?'
"'It was I who took you from the pasture
and from the care of the flock
to be commander of my people Israel.
I have been with you wherever you went,
and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.
And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.
I will fix a place for my people Israel;
I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place
without further disturbance.
Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old,
since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel.
I will give you rest from all your enemies.
The LORD also reveals to you
that he will establish a house for you.
And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,
I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,
and I will make his kingdom firm.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever."
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
ROM 16:25-27
Brothers and sisters:
To him who can strengthen you,
according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ,
according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages
but now manifested through the prophetic writings and,
according to the command of the eternal God,
made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith,
to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ
be glory forever and ever. Amen
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
LK 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin's name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
"Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
"Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end."
But Mary said to the angel,
"How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?"
And the angel said to her in reply,
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God."
Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word."
Then the angel departed from her.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
Our Gospel today is the Annunciation, the announcement of the birth of Jesus given to Mary by the angel Gabriel, an angel who appears four times in Scripture and each time brings a momentous message from God, which is the mission of angels: 1) he interpreted to Daniel the vision of the ram and the goat (Daniel 8:16-17); 2) he explained the vision of the 70 weeks in Daniel 9:21-22; 3) he announced to Zechariah the birth of John, forerunner of the Messiah, and 4) he announced the birth of Jesus to Mary.
Mary is a “virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.” This is important, because the Messiah is to come from the house of David. We see in the first reading that God says to David, “I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.” This is thought to be a prophecy concerning that the messiah is to come from David’s lineage and is referring to Jesus.
Gabriel addresses Mary with the words: "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." Mary is troubled by these words out of her sense of humility, not thinking that this description is appropriate for her.
Gabriel then tells Mary that she will bear a son, name him Jesus, “he will be called Son of the Most High, he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." In other words, she will be the mother of the Messiah, Jesus, the Son of God.
That’s kind of a lot to take in all at once. I think most of us would be a bit overwhelmed by this kind of message. Would we believe the angel’s message? Would we even believe in the angel at all? Mary questions the angel for clarification: "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" Notice that she doesn’t question that it is really Gabriel, nor does she question if it is possible at all. She just wants clarification of how it will happen.
Gabriel explains and even tells her about Elizabeth, her cousin beyond childbearing years, who will give birth to John the Baptist, almost as if he is trying to convince her to say yes, since nothing is impossible for God. Implicit in the dialogue is that Mary can say yes to God, or can turn him down. God respects our free will and would never force us to do anything against our will.
More importantly, I think, is that when one says yes to something or someone, they are more committed. When one makes a conscious decision to follow a certain path no matter what, they will be much more likely to follow through to the end. A good example is marriage. When 2 people fall in love and marry, I would hope that they would be committed enough to do what is necessary to make that marriage work. I certainly see plenty of that around here.
When Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word," it didn’t guarantee her an easy life without any pain or hardship, nor did it guarantee that she would understand everything, nor did it guarantee that she would always get her way. Following God’s call brought her faith and a closeness to God that can’t be broken by anyone or anything. It brought a peace and a happiness that can only come from God. Sounds a lot like a good marriage, doesn’t it?
In the first reading, God has given David victory over his enemies and now gives David time to rest. David wants to build a temple for God because "Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!" He also wanted to build a temple so it would be a unifying factor for the country (David had recently brought Judah and Israel together to form the country of Israel), and to have a permanent and central place of worship. Nathan the Prophet tells him to go ahead, but God has other ideas. God doesn’t want to be limited to a temple or to be confined in any one spot. The temple was not to be in David’s time. God then builds a house for David; not of brick or stone, but of people. The house of David will last forever bring about a Messiah.
God is different than the pagan gods of shrines and high places. God was intimately involved in David’s life: all of David’s fame and success is due to God’s presence in his life. God wants to guide and inspire us also. Do we let that happen, or are we too self sufficient?
Mary did not clearly understand what she was undertaking but she trusted God and said yes anyway. God guided and directed her in her life. When we give ourselves to God, we don’t know where that will lead. We may not understand until after the fact, if at all, but we follow anyway because God works in mysterious and even sacramental ways through us. We all have a place in God’s plan of salvation. Like Mary, let’s say yes and help bring about the kingdom.
The second reading from Romans is Paul’s farewell address to the church in Rome. Even though he didn’t write a gospel per se, he considers his preaching good news, hence the term gospel in today’s reading. He preaches that justification and salvation are God’s gracious gifts given to us through Jesus Christ. These gifts are not limited to any one group of people, but are available to all people.
Fr. Phil
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
BIBLE STUDY # 67
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 11, 2011
READING 1
ISAIAH 61:1-2A, 10-11
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor,
to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and release to the prisoners,
to announce a year of favor from the LORD
and a day of vindication by our God.
I rejoice heartily in the LORD,
in my God is the joy of my soul;
for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation
and wrapped me in a mantle of justice,
like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,
like a bride bedecked with her jewels.
As the earth brings forth its plants,
and a garden makes its growth spring up,
so will the Lord GOD make justice and praise
spring up before all the nations.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24
Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophetic utterances.
Test everything; retain what is good.
Refrain from every kind of evil.
May the God of peace make you perfectly holy
and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body,
be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful,
and he will also accomplish it.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28
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.
And this is the testimony of John.
When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests
and Levites to him
to ask him, "Who are you?"
He admitted and did not deny it,
but admitted, "I am not the Christ."
So they asked him,
"What are you then? Are you Elijah?"
And he said, "I am not."
"Are you the Prophet?"
He answered, "No."
So they said to him,
"Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?
What do you have to say for yourself?"
He said:
"I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,
'make straight the way of the Lord,'"
as Isaiah the prophet said."
Some Pharisees were also sent.
They asked him,
"Why then do you baptize
if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?"
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."
This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,
where John was baptizing.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
We have John the Baptist again this week, from John’s Gospel, specifically from the prologue to John’s Gospel (1: 6-8), and the beginning 9 verses from the Book of Signs (1:19-28) about John’s testimony to himself.
The first thing we learn about John is that he was sent by God (verse 6). This is a divine mission. John was chosen by God for a specific vocation, just as Jesus was also sent to fulfill his own vocation. God chooses all of us; we all have a divine vocation. We are all sent to bring the light of Christ to the world. One thing to ponder this Advent: am I light or am I darkness?
John came to “testify to the light so that all might believe through him (vs. 7).” Testimony (to testify) is what we would say in a court of law. In US courts we would be sworn in with our hand on a bible while promising “to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Everybody in the gospel testifies to the truth about Jesus: John the Baptist the Samaritan woman, scripture, his works, the crowd the Spirit, and his disciples. How often have we testified to the truth of Jesus?
“He was not the light, but came to testify to the light” Like last week, John the Baptist denies being the light and gives precedence to Jesus. John came to testify that Jesus is the light, he is just a witness.
Many people were expecting the Messiah to come soon, and many thought that John the Baptist was the Messiah. John the Baptist deliberately and specifically said, "I am not the Christ” (the messiah, the anointed one of Yahweh) in response to inquiries from “the Jews” in verse 19. The term “the Jews” does not refer to the Jews as a whole, but to the leadership, such as the Sadducees and Pharisees, who do not believe in Jesus as the Messiah. We have to be careful not to be anti-Semitic and condemn all the Jews for not believing in Jesus; first of all, Jesus is a Jew and many of his early followers were also Jews; and secondly, there are many so called Christians who profess that they believe in Jesus, but don’t act like it.
We have a difference in John’s Gospel as compared to Matthew and Mark’s Gospels. In Johns’ Gospel, John the Baptist claims that he isn’t Elijah, but it seems to be important to Matthew and Mark to have John the Baptist fulfilling prophecy and have John the Baptist represent the return of Elijah. I would think that this would be especially true to the Jews in Mark’ and Matthews communities, especially to Matthew’s community, which was made up mainly of Jews.
John the Baptist says he is not the Messiah, not Elijah, and not a prophet. Who is he? One with a specific and unique mission form God: "I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, 'make straight the way of the Lord'" (vs. 23) which is reminiscent of Isaiah 40:3: “A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God.”
Isaiah 40:3 was written at a time when the Israelites were held in bondage in Babylon. When they are freed, God will lead them directly to the Promised Land, and any obstacle in their way will be smoothed; for example, “every valley shall be lifted up, every mountain will be made low” (vs. 4).
John the Baptist is proclaiming that when Jesus the Messiah arrives, he will lead us directly to the Promised Land of the Kingdom of God on earth and in heaven, and all obstacles will be removed from our path. That is, Jesus will die and rise for our sins so we can live in his grace and peace. He will smooth the way for us because he has taken on our sins so we can be saved.
In John’s Gospel, John the Baptist baptized with water for purification and preparation for a better baptism from Jesus. Last week we heard in Mark’s Gospel that the baptism of John the Baptists was for repentance and forgiveness of sins, while Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Matthew and Luke’s Gospel states that while John the Baptist baptizes with water, Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, a reference to Pentecost and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in the form of tongues of fire (Acts 2:1-4).
John the Baptists’ has a final claim of subservience to Jesus: “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 (vs. 27)." In fact, John puts himself in the position of a slave, whose job it was to untie the sandals from the dirty and grimy feet of a master.
Today is Gaudete Sunday, a day in which we are to rejoice and to be joyful. In the first reading, Isaiah rejoices because “God is the joy of my soul;” he is “clothed with a robe of salvation” and wrapped in “a mantle of justice.” Isaiah is also a good steward. God has anointed hum (sent on a mission) to “bring glad tidings to the poor” of healing, liberty, and freedom. God is the joy of his soul, and he is sharing his joy with others.
In the second reading, St. Paul tells us to “Rejoice always.” If anyone had a reason not to be joyful, it was St. Paul. He had a difficult life after his conversion. He suffered tremendously, was rejected and misunderstood. But there is reason to rejoice because Christ has paid the price for our sins and opened up the way to eternal life for us. St. Paul took his guidance and strength from the grace and power of Christ. He was always grateful and glad of what the Lord was doing in his life.
We should be people of joy. Many of you might think there is not much to be joyful about in your lives. But joy is not having things go perfectly or go our way every time; joy is not a happiness that comes from possessions, nor is it comedy; it is not feeling good about yourself nor being on top of the world. Joy comes from deep within ourselves; it is a byproduct of accepting Christ as Lord and Savior; it comes from knowing that God is there to protect, guide and inspire us; it comes from knowing that God is in charge and can do a better job then we can; it comes from knowing that sin and death no longer have control of our lives because Jesus paid the price for our sins; it comes from knowing that God loves us, blesses us, and grants us peace and joy.
I heard a story of a woman who was in hospice. She was dying but her mind was alert: she knew she was dying, and didn’t have long to live. Her family asked her if she had any last requests. She asked to be buried with a fork in her right hand. They all thought that was strange until she said, “At the nursing home, when dinner was over, and they told us to keep our forks, we knew that something better was coming.”
For people of faith, there is something better coming. Not just after our life is over, but during our life here on earth. We are joyful, not because of anything we have done, or anything we deserve, but because of what God has done for us. That should be cause for great rejoicing.
Fr. Phil
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 11, 2011
READING 1
ISAIAH 61:1-2A, 10-11
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor,
to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and release to the prisoners,
to announce a year of favor from the LORD
and a day of vindication by our God.
I rejoice heartily in the LORD,
in my God is the joy of my soul;
for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation
and wrapped me in a mantle of justice,
like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,
like a bride bedecked with her jewels.
As the earth brings forth its plants,
and a garden makes its growth spring up,
so will the Lord GOD make justice and praise
spring up before all the nations.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24
Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophetic utterances.
Test everything; retain what is good.
Refrain from every kind of evil.
May the God of peace make you perfectly holy
and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body,
be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful,
and he will also accomplish it.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28
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.
And this is the testimony of John.
When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests
and Levites to him
to ask him, "Who are you?"
He admitted and did not deny it,
but admitted, "I am not the Christ."
So they asked him,
"What are you then? Are you Elijah?"
And he said, "I am not."
"Are you the Prophet?"
He answered, "No."
So they said to him,
"Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?
What do you have to say for yourself?"
He said:
"I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,
'make straight the way of the Lord,'"
as Isaiah the prophet said."
Some Pharisees were also sent.
They asked him,
"Why then do you baptize
if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?"
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."
This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,
where John was baptizing.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
We have John the Baptist again this week, from John’s Gospel, specifically from the prologue to John’s Gospel (1: 6-8), and the beginning 9 verses from the Book of Signs (1:19-28) about John’s testimony to himself.
The first thing we learn about John is that he was sent by God (verse 6). This is a divine mission. John was chosen by God for a specific vocation, just as Jesus was also sent to fulfill his own vocation. God chooses all of us; we all have a divine vocation. We are all sent to bring the light of Christ to the world. One thing to ponder this Advent: am I light or am I darkness?
John came to “testify to the light so that all might believe through him (vs. 7).” Testimony (to testify) is what we would say in a court of law. In US courts we would be sworn in with our hand on a bible while promising “to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Everybody in the gospel testifies to the truth about Jesus: John the Baptist the Samaritan woman, scripture, his works, the crowd the Spirit, and his disciples. How often have we testified to the truth of Jesus?
“He was not the light, but came to testify to the light” Like last week, John the Baptist denies being the light and gives precedence to Jesus. John came to testify that Jesus is the light, he is just a witness.
Many people were expecting the Messiah to come soon, and many thought that John the Baptist was the Messiah. John the Baptist deliberately and specifically said, "I am not the Christ” (the messiah, the anointed one of Yahweh) in response to inquiries from “the Jews” in verse 19. The term “the Jews” does not refer to the Jews as a whole, but to the leadership, such as the Sadducees and Pharisees, who do not believe in Jesus as the Messiah. We have to be careful not to be anti-Semitic and condemn all the Jews for not believing in Jesus; first of all, Jesus is a Jew and many of his early followers were also Jews; and secondly, there are many so called Christians who profess that they believe in Jesus, but don’t act like it.
We have a difference in John’s Gospel as compared to Matthew and Mark’s Gospels. In Johns’ Gospel, John the Baptist claims that he isn’t Elijah, but it seems to be important to Matthew and Mark to have John the Baptist fulfilling prophecy and have John the Baptist represent the return of Elijah. I would think that this would be especially true to the Jews in Mark’ and Matthews communities, especially to Matthew’s community, which was made up mainly of Jews.
John the Baptist says he is not the Messiah, not Elijah, and not a prophet. Who is he? One with a specific and unique mission form God: "I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, 'make straight the way of the Lord'" (vs. 23) which is reminiscent of Isaiah 40:3: “A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God.”
Isaiah 40:3 was written at a time when the Israelites were held in bondage in Babylon. When they are freed, God will lead them directly to the Promised Land, and any obstacle in their way will be smoothed; for example, “every valley shall be lifted up, every mountain will be made low” (vs. 4).
John the Baptist is proclaiming that when Jesus the Messiah arrives, he will lead us directly to the Promised Land of the Kingdom of God on earth and in heaven, and all obstacles will be removed from our path. That is, Jesus will die and rise for our sins so we can live in his grace and peace. He will smooth the way for us because he has taken on our sins so we can be saved.
In John’s Gospel, John the Baptist baptized with water for purification and preparation for a better baptism from Jesus. Last week we heard in Mark’s Gospel that the baptism of John the Baptists was for repentance and forgiveness of sins, while Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Matthew and Luke’s Gospel states that while John the Baptist baptizes with water, Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, a reference to Pentecost and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in the form of tongues of fire (Acts 2:1-4).
John the Baptists’ has a final claim of subservience to Jesus: “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 (vs. 27)." In fact, John puts himself in the position of a slave, whose job it was to untie the sandals from the dirty and grimy feet of a master.
Today is Gaudete Sunday, a day in which we are to rejoice and to be joyful. In the first reading, Isaiah rejoices because “God is the joy of my soul;” he is “clothed with a robe of salvation” and wrapped in “a mantle of justice.” Isaiah is also a good steward. God has anointed hum (sent on a mission) to “bring glad tidings to the poor” of healing, liberty, and freedom. God is the joy of his soul, and he is sharing his joy with others.
In the second reading, St. Paul tells us to “Rejoice always.” If anyone had a reason not to be joyful, it was St. Paul. He had a difficult life after his conversion. He suffered tremendously, was rejected and misunderstood. But there is reason to rejoice because Christ has paid the price for our sins and opened up the way to eternal life for us. St. Paul took his guidance and strength from the grace and power of Christ. He was always grateful and glad of what the Lord was doing in his life.
We should be people of joy. Many of you might think there is not much to be joyful about in your lives. But joy is not having things go perfectly or go our way every time; joy is not a happiness that comes from possessions, nor is it comedy; it is not feeling good about yourself nor being on top of the world. Joy comes from deep within ourselves; it is a byproduct of accepting Christ as Lord and Savior; it comes from knowing that God is there to protect, guide and inspire us; it comes from knowing that God is in charge and can do a better job then we can; it comes from knowing that sin and death no longer have control of our lives because Jesus paid the price for our sins; it comes from knowing that God loves us, blesses us, and grants us peace and joy.
I heard a story of a woman who was in hospice. She was dying but her mind was alert: she knew she was dying, and didn’t have long to live. Her family asked her if she had any last requests. She asked to be buried with a fork in her right hand. They all thought that was strange until she said, “At the nursing home, when dinner was over, and they told us to keep our forks, we knew that something better was coming.”
For people of faith, there is something better coming. Not just after our life is over, but during our life here on earth. We are joyful, not because of anything we have done, or anything we deserve, but because of what God has done for us. That should be cause for great rejoicing.
Fr. Phil
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