Homily Second Thursday of Advent (Mt. 11:1-15) “The Greatest”
Homily Second Thursday of Advent (Mt. 11:1-15) “The Greatest”
We read a very startling statement in the Gospel passage today. Jesus says to those who listen to him that never has there been a man born of a woman that was greater than John the Baptist. But then he says in the next breath that the person who is the least import, that dwells in the Kingdom, is greater than John.
We would have to wonder, what John lacked. Jesus was saying that John had no inkling of the doctrine of the cross. John preached fire and brimstone. He called people to conversion and many people did reform their life and surely accomplished wonderful things for God. But is fear an uplifting motivation for people of faith?
The doctrine of the cross revolves around love. When we look at the cross, we see Jesus hanging on an instrument of torture. He was an innocent man who would not compromise his principles. Jesus would not betray his friends. He gave us an example of courage. Jesus asks us not to just observe what he did, but to try and imitate what he did.
When we see Jesus on the cross, we are given a message, “I made this sacrifice for you. I love you.” Jesus was the suffering servant. He never was concerned with promoting himself. He goal was to lead people to a connection with his heavenly father.
We live in the kingdom of Jesus today. We have heard the Gospel message. We know the story of the passion of Jesus. We also have knowledge of the resurrection of the Lord. We have information that John never had. We are not motivated by fear. What harm can touch a person who is confident in eternal life? We know far more about Jesus that John the Baptist ever knew. We have an advantage, and we need to act on what we know.
Reflection Questions:
- How am I greater than John the Baptist? What Gospel truths to I know that he did not?
- How do I know Jesus loves me? What proofs can I offer to those who are skeptical?
Dear Parishioners,
Yesterday we got the sad news that Msgr. Richard Soseman died of COVID 19. He was a native of the Quad Cities. Msgr. Soseman served the parishes in Peru, Il. He had been hospitalized for a couple of weeks. His death reminds us that the coronavirus is real. Msgr. Soseman was in his fifties and in relatively good health. He would be alive today if he had not been infected.
I still hear people deny the reality of our present situation. I must admit that I don’t understand. I was called to the hospital the other day to anoint a man who was dying of Coronavirus. I was perfectly safe in my protective gear. But I saw once again what this virus can do, and how it is costing us the lives of people who enrich our society.
This is not a political matter. It is a health crisis. Until we all agree on this fact our lives will continue to be upended. Let us pray for all those who suffer and let us hope that suffering will not be treated as unimportant or somehow part of a grand conspiracy.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark