Advent Reflection for 12/16

Third Sunday of Advent 12/16/07

Matthew 11: 2-11: Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?" And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is he who takes no offense at me." As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind? Why then did you go out? To see a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, those who wear soft raiment are in kings' houses. Why then did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, `Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.' Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.


My Reflection: Today we light the pink candle of the Advent wreath. The pink in contrast to the 3 purple candles symbolizes our growing hope in the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

It is so easy to immerse ourselves in the commercialization and stress of the Christmas season. Geesh, every year it seems like the stores start putting out the Christmas stuff and offer sales prices earlier and earlier. I think there has been some sort of push to get rid of Thanksgiving since all the Christmas stuff seems to start right after Halloween.

How good it is though, to observe the Advent season. Advent enables us to truly see the reason for the season, as the saying goes. I know I need to take time to slow down and breathe and reflect on the great love that God had for us in that He sent us His only Son. I try to put myself in Mary's place. What an enormous responsibilty to carry and bear the Son of God. I can't even imagine what it had been like to give birth in a stable. It was hard enough at a hospital!

Today's reading talks about our salvation and how it depends on Christ and not on the standards of this world. It's sometimes hard to pull away from the pressures of this world, especially at Christmas time when so much is expected from you--especially when you are a mother.

This gospel also has us reflect on the challenges to our faith. I have a firm faith, but it does get challenged at times. I have moments of doubt that occur too often. I'm impatient when it comes to waiting to see what God wants of me or I want my prayers to be answered as fast as a response to an instant message. In times of despair, I've thrown up my arms in disgust and have said "why God?!"

Christ constantly tells us in the gospels that the path to salvation is not an easy one nor one that we would expect. There will be times when our faith is challenged. There will be times when we wonder, do I really want this, it's so hard!! I guess that's when we need to pray for strength and rely on the words of Christ that, yes, salvation will be worth it.