On Advent Route - Dec. 2

December 2, 2025

Rom 4:13-21; Jn 1:1-8 (Syro-Malabar)

ABRAHAM -Father of the Believers of all Nations

The readings present two people on the advent route - the patriarch Abraham and the path-setter John.  St. Paul is presenting Abraham who became the father of many nations, walking the path of faith. At a time, when the human world had no reference to God as linked to one's family or forefathers, he was privileged to experience the source of life through very unique encounters - of a promised land, of progeny, when he and his wife were considered beyond the age of procreation, submitting to what he sensed as the will of God, even to the extent of sacrificing his only thread of hope, his dearly beloved son. He proved his faith, by 'hoping against hope', by that willingness to sacrifice his apparent lone thread of hope. 

Through that faith in the fount of life, he becomes the father of all peoples who adhere to faith. 

However, why one should be thus tested, and why one should have to adhere to such faith, is still not clear. The only answer is perhaps that works best for all concerned in the ultimate analysis. This is a tough terrain to traverse for thinking minds, as the outcomes are not clear and evident. 

The austere, fiery Flame of God - John the Baptist

On the other hand, we find another man, John - younger, in the prime of his life, leading the life of a radical recluse, who is able to understand the messages from God, and who proclaims a path of purification and penance for God's anointed one to come into the lives of people. Having experienced the light, he comes to testify to the light - introducing Him to the people, and preparing the way to approach him (Jn 1:7-8). 

Touched by God, these two ordinary men - one old and the other young - set radical examples of how to make God part of our lives, let God come into our lives. (i) surrender in humility (ii) self-purification through austerity - making you closer to God, while being away from the world, which makes the light shine through you for many others. 

While I thus reflect, and apparently even grasp the idea, I still remain and feel deprived, of such experiences, which would make you feel all arguments and logic unnecessary - into that realm of knowing, O Lord, take me along! 

Advent hymn for today: Into my heart, Come in today, come into stay, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus!