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Isaiah 61:1-2A, 10-11
Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54
1Thessalonians 5:16-24
John1:6-8, 19-28
Summary
In the readings today, Isaiah describes beautifully the kingdom of God, while Paul
beseeches the Thessalonians to live the kingdom values. In the Gospel, John
points the way to the Christ who will reveal the fullness of the kingdom.
Reflection
The Jews at the time of John the Baptist asked him an interesting question, “Who
are you?” It is a question worth pondering in our own lives. “Who am I?” John
was quick to answer. He was not the Christ, or Elijah, or a Prophet. We could
easily say the same. But who am I? Why was I born? Why am I living in this par-
ticular parish in the year 2011? Why am I part of my particular family, with these
relatives, these friends? John’s call was clear. He was the voice of the one crying
out in the desert. He was the precursor. But who am I?
Does my life call forth from those around me to ask, “Who are you?” Does my life
challenge my friends, my enemies, my family to accost me with the questions,
“Who are you? What makes you so different? Why does your life pull me up short
and make me face such profound questions as, ‘What is life all about? To whom
is he or she so committed that the joy and peace of his or her life shines through
and makes me wonder? Could it be the love of the Christ that radiates?’”
Advent is a time to stand back and ask ourselves some hard questions. Who are
we? God has given each and every one of us a
unique and distinct role in life. If we live that role
to the fullest, everyone around us will ask, “Who
is he? She?” And the Christ life will shine
through your actions and they will know that you
are indeed a Christian.