The Inevitable Mission to Preach Is 35:1-6,10; Js 5:7-10; Mt 11:2-11

 

The Inevitable Mission to Preach

Is 35:1-6,10; Js 5:7-10; Mt 11:2-11

John is the voice, and Christ is the Word

The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” This Sunday is so named because “Rejoice” is the first word in the entrance antiphon for today’s Mass, taken from Philippians 4:4-5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” Some people mark this Sunday on their Advent wreath with a pink candle instead of a purple candle. This Sunday is a joyful reminder that our salvation is found in visiting the glory of God, as manifested to us.

Today, just as on the previous Sunday, the Church presents to us the figure of John the Baptist. John was a final prophet before Christ of firm character—both in his way of life and in his fidelity to the Truth—which cost him imprisonment and martyrdom. Even from prison, he speaks effectively to Herod. John teaches us how to unite firmness of character with humility: “The one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie” (Jn 1:27); “He must increase; I must decrease” (Jn 3:30). He rejoices that Jesus baptizes more people than he does, for he considers himself only “the one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man” (Jn 3:29).

John teaches us to take our journey on earth seriously. We need to be coherent Christians in leading our lives as children of God. How would Mary and Joseph have prepared for the birth of Jesus Christ? How did John prepare the teaching of Jesus? Considering their preparation, we should prepare to commemorate the birth of Jesus and to welcome his second coming at the end of time. Saint Cyril of Jerusalem says: “We preach not one advent only of Christ, but a second also, far more glorious than the former. For the former gave a view of his patience, but the latter brings with it the crown of a divine kingdom.”

“ ‘Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, says: ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe in the gospel’’ (Mk 1:14-15). The Catechism of The Catholic Church (541), quoting this Markan text, teaches ‘to carry out the will of the Father Christ inaugurated the kingdom of heaven on earth’. Now the Father’s will is ‘to raise us to share in his own divine life’. He does this by gathering us around his Son, Jesus Christ. We, as the Church, and being saved individually, have the mission to preach the gospel boldly.

 

“The Lord will come without delay. He will bring to light what darkness hides.”