The 3rd Sunday of Advent

Image via WikipediaThis week's reading is as follows :

[Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11] [1 Thessalonians 5:16-24] [John 1:6-8, 19-28]

In the gospel of John, we are told that John the Baptist’s works must have a great impact as many people think and hoped that he is the messiah. Although he was at Bethany, on the far side of the Jordan, the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, 'Who are you?'

Instead of tempted by fame, glory and prestige, John speaks the truth and in his humility and says: “I am not the one. There is one coming after me”.

John preached repentance in preparation for the coming of Christ and proclaimed himself as “A voice of one that cries in the desert: Prepare a way for the Lord. Make his paths straight!' as prophesied by Isaiah.

What about us? Who do we identify ourselves in terms of? Do we realise that our roles in life are expressed in relation to others? Our talents and resources are meaningless unless others benefit from them.

Our accomplishments and status are empty if we do not look to the concern of others. We can only find fulfilment when we serve others in our families and in our communities, promoting their good above our own.

In short, our salvation depends not only on our love for God but also on our love for other people.

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