The Gospel presents a strange scene.
Thousands of people are walking for miles and miles, far into desert west of Jerusalem to see John the Baptist, not because they want to hear him speak, but because they want to acknowledge their own faults, their weakness, and sinfulness! Who would want to do that! They are going that great distance precisely to be washed clean in the waters of the Jordan River.
Why also would they come to John the Baptist? Perhaps they sensed something different about John that made it easier for them to admit their guilt. I think they sensed that he brought the love, mercy, and forgiveness of God.
The only reason why we would ever have the courage to admit their failings before another is that we feel this person would still love us despite our sins. We will even accept strong criticism, admonishment, and even corrective action from others, as long as we feel that love.
God inspired John to present that love of God and therefore the people, by the many thousands, came to receive it. Pope Francis also wants everyone in the Church to have that same sense of love for sinners. It is a love that accepts but also corrects those who do wrong. There is much going wrong in the world today, whether in Ferguson or the Middle East. We may not impact those places, but we can certainly impact our own world.
This is the Advent story in a nutshell. It is a time for personal reflection on those areas in our life where we need to make changes. However, before you begin on your self-examination, seriously reflect first on the love that God has for you. Remember above all that He is on your side and wants you to be happy. God knows that some of our behaviors make things worse for us. If we see these bad habits for what they are and acknowledge them and regret them, then God will let them go. He will do that for the purpose of sending us off on a new and better path finally free of those old habits. The way of Christ is the only way to true and lasting happiness.
People who follow this design find peace and a sense of freedom from old habits that were so self-destructive. No wonder thousands of people travelled such a distance into a harsh desert to have the opportunity to begin their lives over again.
I hope confessions lines are long this Advent. It would be a sign that so many people have found that path to happiness from Our Lord.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
VERY helpful especially since I have to do one of the Readings tonight! Blessings, Patty B.
Thank you! Blessings and joy to you this Advent and always 🙂 Peace and grace are our greatest gifts.
Beautifully said Father Dave!!! John the Baptist was filled with God’s love and forgiveness that it flowed from his presence!! People were drawn to God’s love living in him and were inspired to reveal their sins and be forgiven!!! What a precious faith we have and its beauty is reflected so miraculously in the Holy Eucharistic and the forgiveness of our sins!!! We are truly blessed!!! Thank you for bringing Jesus to us!!!!
Love, Franca and Dick
Wonderfully uplifting interpretation. It is unfortunate, in some ways, that I have to say that I now feel your weekly message has become my homily for the week. While I respect the efforts of the current St. Paschal Administration, the message and its’ delivery are very different and not always inspiring. Please continue to interpret the Good News for us each week, in a instructive, but loving and comforting manner. Thank You, Father Dave.
Thank you!