The first three weeks of Advent reminds the faithful that the Lord will surely come at the end of time: it will be a triumphant event for him and his faithful followers. No one knows when this will happen: "regarding that Day and that Hour, no one knows when it will come, not even the Angels, not even the Son, but only the Father" (Mk. 13: 32). This prophecy of the coming Messiah speaks about Jesse, who was the father of David. The future Messiah would be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah mentions six of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are received in Confirmation. These gifts help the recipient to live the supernatural virtues by enlightening the mind and moving the will to walk in the way of Christ.
The prophets also foretold how the Spirit of the Lord would rest upon the Messiah as a compelling sign that he was anointed by the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist identified Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah (Jn. 1:32). The flowering of this shoot of Jesse signifies the advent of perfect peace and joy that points to the Incarnation of the Son of God, the restoration of the exile Israel from Babylon and the Churches perfectfulfillment of the New Covenant.
The Old and the New Testaments are a foundation for our liturgy and life as Christians. Identified by the Church as inspired by the Holy Spirit, they provide the history of our salvation and guidance for sanctifying our lives rooted ultimately in the example of Christ. For Paul and for us, Christ is the perfectmodel for every aspect of life, including: Love, Hospitality, Spirit of Service and Patience and Mercy.
John the Baptist's style of life is in line with that of certain Old Testament prophets, particularly Elijah (2 Kgs. 1:8; 2:8-13ff; Mal. 3:1, 23-24). "A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths" (Is. 40:3; Mt. 3:3) shows that John's prophetic mission consists: firstly, in preparing the Jewish people to receive the kingdom of God and secondly, in bearing witness to the fact that Jesus is the Messiah who is bringing that Kingdom into being. The Baptist teaches that the fact that someone is descended physically from Abraham does not mean he is saved. A personal conversion isneeded which produces the good works of a holy life lived in God's presence.
What gifts are we going to give each other at Christmas? Are we ready to give only new clothes, food, drinks and money? Is that all that we have to give? Shouldn't we also give the greatest gift of all: LOVE? What does preparing ourselves to give love mean? It means removing those obstacles that prevent usfrom giving love.
Today's first and gospel reading tell us: prepare a way for the Lord: remove the hills, fill the holes by overcoming all obstacles in our way of giving. How should we remove these obstacles? We overcome them firstly by meditation and prayer and secondly, by freeing ourselves from our pride and selfishness byacts of generosity and humility. When we overcome ourselves we will be prepared to live and give LOVE.
We should ask ourselves what separates us from our Neighbors; what barriers hinder the harmony that should exist in our Families; our Communities; our Church and our Nation? The second reading explains what we must foster as members of the Christian Family: welcoming one another, instructing one another, enduring with one another and encouraging one another with one voice glorifying the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev. Bala Barnabas Duniya
BACK TO LIST