Readings for Sunday December 12, 2010

Third Sunday of Advent

Summary of the Gospel from YM central

Ever wanted to be 100% sure about something and continued to ask questions and get information, even when you already knew the answer deep-down inside? This is what we will read about this Sunday. The Church’s Gospel for the Third Sunday of Advent brings us back to the person of St. John the Baptist. The story begins with St. John questioning the identity of Jesus: Is He really the One? We have to admit that St. John the Baptist’s issue in this passage is a bit puzzling given other Gospel verses about the relationship between Jesus and St. John the Baptist. We know that his ministry was dedicated to paving the way for the One Who was to come, the Messiah. We know that he baptized Jesus, and we know that the two of them were cousins (didn’t they talk?). St. John the Baptist might have asked the question for a few reasons: Perhaps he, being in prison, was under stress; perhaps he wanted some reassurance that his work was for something good and not in vain; perhaps he was asking it on behalf of his own disciples, so they would change their focus from him to Jesus. Jesus answers St. John the Baptist’s disciples not by directly saying ‘yes’, but by referring them to the deeds He was been working. Jesus has shown to others that He is the Messiah by virtue of the good He has done. His actions can be simply summarized as miraculous and healing. As St. John the Baptist’s disciples were leaving Jesus, Jesus then paid him a great tribute, saying that not only was St. John the Baptist a prophet, but also as great in God’s eyes as any man who ever lived (yet, from a worldly standpoint, there has not been another person as low as he). St. John the Baptist’s entire mission was to put the focus on Christ, and to call others to a life lived for Christ, a life lived in holiness, and a life lived in service of God’s Kingdom. You and I are called to be ‘St. John the Baptist’ in today’s world, living lives of holiness with our focus completely on Jesus Christ. Especially in the commercial Christmas season, it is easy for us to forget Christ. Christ wants us to be his ‘heralds’, announcing His coming to the world. Our ‘world’ is simply where we find ourselves at each moment of our lives. Through our Baptism and Confirmation, we have been commissioned to take Christ to those who do not know Him. You and I are unique in God’s plan, in that God is completely dependent upon us to be His prophets (not because God is lacking in power, but because He has submitted Himself to our free will). May this time of preparing for Christmas be one of recommitting to Christ’s mission to make followers of all nations. You and I have a part to play in that plan. May we always be ready to gives our lives totally to Christ, always ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us.



Reading 1 Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10

1 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. 2 They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. 3 Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, 4 say to those whose hearts are frightened:
Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; 6a then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.
10 Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; they will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.

Question for Discussion;

1. What pressures are causing you to tremble now? How might the message of verse 4 bring strength to you?


Reading 2 James 5:7-10

7 Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates.
10 Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Question’s for Discussion;

1. What does James urge Christians to wait for patiently? (verse 7)
2. As we live out our lives, waiting to be united with Christ, what should we guard against?
3. How does the farmer image relate to our waiting? What situation in your life could take a lesson from the farmer?

Gospel Matthew 11:2-11

2 When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus 3 with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” 4 Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
6 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” 7 As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. 9 Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
10 This is the one about whom it is written: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. 11 Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Question’s for Discussion;

1. Where is John? Why was he put in prison? How might prison raise doubts for John?
2. Does Jesus answer John more with promises or with evidence? Why?
3. How might John who knew the Old Testament well, have interpreted Jesus’ reply? (see Isaiah 35, 5-6; 61, 1)
4. Reflect on the signs of God’s presence around you. If Jesus asked you to tell what you have seen, what would you say?
5. Describe St. John the Baptist’s character: What made him so great in the eyes of Jesus? Why?
6. Jesus used His actions to prove His identity to St. John the Baptist’s disciples. How would you summarize Jesus’ actions in your life? What does this say about Who Jesus is to you?

Enjoy the readings, pass them on 
IHN tommyk