Homily: Third Thursday of Advent
Third Thursday of Advent (Luke 7:24-30) “Why Am I the Greatest?”
Jesus was a great admirer of John the Baptist. Some scholars have speculated that he might have been a disciple of John for a brief time or that maybe they had studied together at one time. Still others have thought that both had been involved with the Essene community. The Essene’s were a contemplative group that lived in the desert and who lived an austere lifestyle as they waited for the judgement of the Lord.
But here Jesus says that the least one in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John the Baptist. Did Jesus suddenly turn on John the Baptist? Probably not. But what was he saying?
It seems like Jesus was reminding everyone that John did not receive the full revelation that Jesus had come to proclaim. John died before the Paschal mystery unfolded. Jesus was drawing a line between the revelation of God before he arrived on the scene and the revelation that was experienced after the Resurrection.
John did not know when he died that there was life after death. This was not something that was a common belief in Old Testament times. John was said to be the last of the Old Testament prophets. The Jews who lived before the Advent of Jesus believed that whatever rewards that would be given to people would have to come to them in this world. When John died, he probably believed that he had come to the end of his existence.
As Christians we believe that death is only the door into eternal life. We can be confident that we will live forever. We have this knowledge which can sustain us in the worst of circumstances. For that reason, we have a knowledge that John the Baptist never possessed. Does that mean John did not share in the resurrection? No. But he never knew about it in his earthly existence. We know and that is a wonderful gift.
Reflection Questions:
- How does knowledge of the resurrection touch my life? Am I more hopeful because of it?
- Was John a great example? Is it impressive to me that he remained faithful even when there seemed to be no reward after death?
Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday at 4 p.m. we will be having the last of our Advent Vesper Services. In our final session, Sister Kathleen will be giving a teaching on the Gospel of John. We might wonder what she is going to share about since there is no infancy narrative in the Gospel of John. It might be enlightening to come and find out.
Sister will speak about the Prologue of John. This is the reading that is read at Christmas Day. Sometimes people will ask me why we don’t have Christmas readings on Christmas day. Perhaps the first chapter of John is the preeminent Christmas reading.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark