Parish Bulletin Letter: 3rd Sunday of Advent 2016

This Letter will appear in the St. John Bosco Parish Sunday Bulletin on December 11, 2016

During Advent we meditate on two extraordinary figures from sacred Scripture: John the Baptist and the Blessed Mother. As we listen to the Scriptures during Mass we must keep in mind that we are not only being asked to look backward at historical events. We are being asked above all to think about what those events mean for us today, and what they could mean for the future. If you’ve noticed, we’ve completed two full weeks of Advent and have yet to hear about the events that led to Jesus’ birth: these will come after December 17, when we enter into the “Great Days of Advent.” Right now the readings speak to us of John the Baptist, and how he prepared the way for Jesus’ public ministry. Tomorrow (December 12) we will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which comes four days after the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. In these observances we are reminded of the how the Blessed Mother prepared the world for the coming of the Savior at His birth, and continues to prepare her children for the coming of Jesus into their hearts.

John the Baptist is a bit of a mysterious figure. Even though Luke tells us that he is Jesus’ cousin, the Gospel according to Matthew simply has him appearing in the desert, seemingly out of nowhere, preaching repentance. He must have been a very charismatic man, since so many came out to hear his words and be baptized. He had great powers of persuasion, but he didn’t use his gifts to promote himself. He had a mission to prepare the way for Jesus. He warned people that before they could enter the Kingdom of God they needed to reject sin and follow God’s way. His message of repentance is just as vital for us today as it was back then. Advent is a time to make an examination of conscience and celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation so that we can be renewed in the Spirit and live more fully the Kingdom that Christ has placed within us.

The Virgin Mary was also given a great mission by God. She was able to say “yes” to God’s call because she was conceived without the stain of original sin. This singular gift of grace freed her to follow God’s will in a unique way. Because we still suffer the effects of our first parents’ disobedience it can be hard for us to do what God wants, even when we know what that is. Mary was able to say yes to God, even though it was hard to, because her intentions and will were pure. Mary continues her mission in the Church. Just as she gave birth to Jesus 2,000 years ago, she gives birth to Jesus spiritually to the world. At Tepeyac she appeared to St. Juan Diego as a pregnant woman ready to deliver her child. It was a sign to the people of Mexico that the faith in the true God was coming to their land. While John gave a stern warning to repent, Mary proclaimed a message of hope that the people did not have to live in fear: Jesus came to save them, not condemn them.

Both the Blessed Mother and John the Baptist have important messages for us today. We do need to turn from our sins, as John warns us, that we may live in God’s Kingdom of light. We should also be open to the God who loves us, as our Blessed Mother asks us, and be not afraid to accept the merciful Jesus into our hearts. May these two messages guide us on our journey through Advent.