Fr. Jeff’s Weekly Homily

3rd Sunday of Advent
December 16, 2007

READING 1: Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10
Be strong, fear not!

Psalm 146
The LORD sets captives free.

READING 2: James 5: 7-10
Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord…Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged.

GOSPEL: Matthew 11: 2-11
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 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. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” 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? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 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. 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.”

One of our retirees was talking to another. She said, “My son is a doctor, you should go to see him.” The other said, “But there’s nothing wrong with me; I feel fine.” The first said, “Yes, but knowing my son, he’ll find something wrong with you and you’ll feel bad.”

Did you hear what Jesus had to say about you? Do you ever reflect on what Jesus might think of you? Do you pause and realize how proud he is of you? Proud that you accepted the faith that he offered you? Proud that after he chose you, you chose him as a friend and Lord?; Proud that you haven’t given up?; Proud that you believe in him enough to try and try again and again?; Proud that you trust that he can help you?

Do you ever think that Jesus appreciates you for wanting him, for wanting to say no to so many things that would separate you from him?; For saying yes to making sacrifices for the kingdom. Do you ever think that Jesus is grateful to you for pausing to smile and comfort one of his children who has a great need for a smile, to feel a reassuring touch? Do you ever think of Jesus being grateful to you for learning more about him so that you can speak to others more deeply and truly about him? Do you ever think that Jesus can be angry or disappointed in you for not believing that he has forgiven you totally? Jesus said, “I call you friends…” Therefore, there is the possibility of every feeling and emotion which can exist between friends to exist here and now between Jesus and you. That’s what he means when he says that you are greater than the greatest of prophets, John the Baptist. That’s the triumph of love and courage over doubt and fear. That’s the good news of great joy we celebrate on this joyful Sunday during Advent.

Fr. Jeff McGowan
Queen of Peace Catholic Community
Gainesville, Florida