To watch Fr. Joe’s homily from the 3rd Sunday of Advent: CLICK HERE!
This week John the Baptism joins us again as a SEEKER. He too was seeking the “Promised One” — “the One who would make ALL things NEW”…
And so, John the Baptist, wanting to know if Jesus was the one, sends some of his followers, to ask Jesus, “Are you the one, or should we look for another?”
And Jesus does not give a direct answer, instead he says to John’s Disciples, “Go tell John what you hear. Tell him what you have seen in the healing of people who were blind, lame, deaf or leprous. Tell John the poor are rejoicing. Tell him, blessed are those who see the hand of God in this!”
Jesus wanted John to realize that his work fulfilled what Isaiah prophesied.
Even in our time, we might be content to say that Jesus is the ONE; but often wonder where Jesus is and where we should look for him.
Again, as Jesus conveyed to John, he also reminds us today, “tell them what you have seen in the healing of people who were blind, lame, deaf or leprous. Tell them the poor are rejoicing. Tell them, blessed are those who see the hand of God in this!”
And where do we SEE the hand of God in all this, not just at Christmas time but every day of the year?
We see it in people:
- Making bag lunches to assist the homeless
- Serving hot meals at a local shelter not only on the holidays, but throughout the year
- Making donations of food and clothing that keeps food pantries and Thrift Shops supplied for those in need
- Those who visit the sick, give rides to doctor’s offices
- Bring Communion to those unable to be with us
- When they share a smile, hug, or note of appreciation for a kindness shared with them no matter how big or small.
Maybe this Christmas season (and throughout the year), like John the Baptist, we need to look for, to see, to recognize those daily moments of God in our midst where people of all ages are caring for people of all ages, each and every day.
May we rejoice with and for those who assist others, those who bring hope, those who allow God to work thru them and each of us, as person, family and Parish.
May we rejoice because the POOR are REJOICING!