Third Sunday of Advent (A)

Is 35:1-6a, 10
Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10
Jas 5:7-10
Mt 11:2-11

The signs of the season are all around us these days—displays in the malls, decorations beginning to show up in homes, music on the radio. We don't have to look very far to find them. Hello, I’m Father Greg Friedman, and this is the "Sunday Soundbite" for the Third Sunday of Advent.

In the Gospel today, Jesus urges the disciples of John the Baptist to look for signs as well—signs that Jesus is truly the one sent by God. The signs include dramatic transformations in people, physical disabilities healed, Good News proclaimed to the poor.

These signs are similar to those prophesied by Isaiah in the first reading: physical transformation in the bodies and hearts of God's people and in the desert lands where the Chosen People lived. Such signs would herald the approach of God coming to save the people, to turn their sadness and mourning into joy.

That kind of transformation is supposed to be symbolized in the joy people try to share at Christmas. But we realize that not everyone automatically feels happy or carefree. In this season many of us bear burdens—economic, emotional or physical—which can seem even heavier to bear amidst the trappings of the holidays.

People of faith may need to look beyond the superficial joy urged on us by holiday ads. We can become signs of Christ's presence, signs of "Christmas" to those who are searching for God. By our sensitive listening, our generosity toward others in need, our presence to those who are burdened, we become part of the transforming power of God's reign breaking into our world.

Scripture:

•Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing. (Isaiah 35:6)

•The LORD gives sight to the blind; the LORD raises up those who were bowed down. (Psalm 146:8)

•Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. (James 5:8)

•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. (Matthew 11:4,5)

Reflection:

•How do you become poor enough to hear the good news?

•Do you have a firm heart? How do you make your heart firm?

•In the twenty-first century, how do you describe someone who is just?

•Have you ever experienced having your “eyes opened” or ears “cleared.” How did it occur?

•What is the common tone of these Advent readings?

The world calls for and expects from us simplicity of life, the spirit of prayer, charity towards all, especially towards the lowly and the poor, obedience and humility, detachment and self-sacrifice. Without this mark of holiness our word will have difficulty in touching the heart of modern man. It risks being vain and sterile.