HOMILY OF WEDNESDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF ADVENT YEAR B
Isaiah 45; 6b-8.18.21b-25, Luke 7:19-23
Atimes, people ask questions not simply because they do not know, but to illicit a response from others on what they think some other people need to know, or to understand better what they have known, but in part.
While in the prison, John called two of his disciples and sent them to Jesus to ask him, “are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?”
One may think that John the Baptist was doubting whether Jesus was the Messiah or not. Behind his question lies a kind of expectation of what the Messiah should be doing. He must have expected Jesus to minister in high tone like his. He must have expected him to demonstrate power like the prophet of old. His question was a kind of call to action.
However, Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. If not, he would have formed his army and be ready for battle for the restoration of Israel. Here is he, speaking only the gentle language of love. And he said, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind received their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is he who takes no offence at me.”
Jesus response makes it clear to us that we are known by our works. Hence, we must scrutinize what we do so as to know whether they rhyme with our unique call or not. Above all, our life must be at the service of love. We are called to liberate others and make life livable and bearable for them.
May the Lord endue us with his spirit that we may share in his ministry of love. May he grant us more of his grace that we may lead others to him. Amen.
