John The Baptist Preaching in the Widerness by Anton Raphael Mengs

Our readings for this Third Sunday of Advent make it clear; The LORD is the source of our joy – not the things of this world.

Isaiah recognized this with one of his famous lines: “The Spirit of the LORD God is upon me.” 

St. Paul gives good advice in his First Letter to the Thessalonians for these challenging times: “In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God.”

Mary’s great hymn of praise (Magnificat) is the source of the Psalm today: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”

Friends, we are to recognize our similarities to John the Baptist, even though there is none greater born of woman. (Matthew 11:11) The Gospel today tells us “John was sent from God.” There-in-lies his greatness! Each of us is also created, called and sent by God – and there is the source of our grace and the cause of our joy!

Advent calls us to prayerful reflect upon this reality of being created, redeemed, called and sent by God through his Son, Jesus. This is the source of our life and our life’s work, and hidden in this reality is the source of our joy.

Once we are convinced of this truth, we know where to direct the focus of our life, in a manner that does not seek to make a name for ourself, but knows we exist only to proclaim the name of Jesus.

Please take time to listen to God’s word and today’s homily below.

Peace!

+pde

 

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