On Advent Route - 14

On Advent Route - Dec 14, 2025

Today happens to be the 3rd Sunday of the Advent Season. 

The Latin calendar presents Jesus' second encounter with someone who is thought to be his immediate path-setter - John the Baptist. Matthew describes the first encounter in chapter 3 of his narrative of Jesus' baptism from John. The gospel speaks about clear manifestations.  Not long after that, John is imprisoned; however is in communication with his disciples. He gets reports about Jesus, his activities and his followers. He is concerned.  He wants to make sure whether they had the 'saviour' in him. 

His earnest concern is understandable; however, for Jesus, humanly speaking, it might have been a setback. The one who was destined to be his pilot, his forerunner, appears to have doubts. 

Jesus apparently is not put off; he has learned to be responsive rather than reactive. He collects himself in assurance of his self-reflection and conviction.  He instructs John's disciples to report to their master what they witnessed: the lepers are cleansed, the lame walk, the blind see, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them (Mtt 11:5). 

He doesn't respond with a 'Yes' or 'No' to the question, but points to the manifestations of liberation - healing and goodnews to the poor. Life in its fullness (health) and happy news of the arrival of God's reign - what comes to pass, when God rules. Life and life in abundance (Jn 10:10) and joy (of the goodness of God's presence and power) that is complete (Jn 15:11). 

And he indicates that one who does not waver in one's faith and adherence to him is blessed (Mtt 11:6), adding a 9th one to his earlier set of 8. 

The twin challenges before the adventist is (i) to be the goodnews by being oneself whole and making others whole as well - being the healer of physical and mental hurts, building bridges, accommodating others and caring for the created world, the Common Home with all its belongings.  (ii) To make Jesus one's source of energy and model. 

However, we see one more beautiful lesson today as Jesus goes on to present John who has by now slighlty caused an embarrassment to him. He is recognised as the topmost among the human beings so far born, as the one to prepare the way the Messiah. And Jesus praises his unconventional lifestyle as prophetic. 

Lord, as John who was so drastically set apart want affirmation from you whether 'you were the One', so too, I find myself, constantly trying to make sure whether you were/are the One, who is our source of energy and life, and our goal, our model and our path! Lord, help! 

In my turn, may I be announcing your gospel by being a healing presence wherever I am! 

And Lord, may my life and my preparations for the remembrance of your coming into our midst make my life too prophetic and indeed effective as 'your messenger'. Amen!

CALLAR Y OBRAR - Work and be Silent 
(Carmelite Digest, Autumn 1991:2)

P.S. It is perhaps chance - that today we have the great St. John of the Cross on enroute to the crib of our heart. St John who lived a fully human, but profoundly prophetic life. Interestingly, the initial part of the reformation movement within the Carmel began at the monastery/convent of 'Incarnation' (La Encarnacion, Avila) where he served as the spiritual father under the insistence of St. Teresa of Avila. The summit of his life of consecration could be seen in his life of reform which he led as the prior of the monastery of 'Calvary'  (El Calvario), after which he was imprisoned by the authorities, but leading to the production of his famous poetry on the Spiritual ascent, which is also considered a literary gem in Spanish literature.  So I hope John of the Cross is a befitting sign post on the path to Bethlehem. https://prasantamcmi.blogspot.com/2025/12/st-john-of-cross-man-of-god-in-this.html