John 1,6-8; 19-28
Today, the third Sunday of Advent, is called Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday in which we anticipate some of the Joy of the Christmas feast and season. Since Mark’s gospel has no prologue to Jesus’ public ministry as do Matthew’s, Luke’s, and John’s, the church borrows John’s account of the Baptist’s ministry for this Sunday’s gospel.
John the Baptist is sent into the world by God to be a witness to Jesus the light of the world, so that all people may believe in Jesus through him. Three times in the first two verses his role as witness to Jesus, rather than his role as baptiser, is emphasised. He is a witness to the light but is not the light. Jesus alone is the light. Jesus later does call John a lamp (5,35). But a lamp is not the light; it gives light.
In 1,19, we are told, how and to whom, John witnessed. The Jews represent the Jewish authorities who were hostile to Jesus. The priests were the superior rank of the two groups sent, and both were experts in religious ritual. To their question as to who he was, John emphatically denies that he is the Messiah, the anointed Davidic king, for whose coming Israel longed. Neither is he Elijah who was expected to precede the Messiah, nor “the prophet” who was expected to fulfil a similar role.
“The prophet” refers to Moses’ promise that God would raise up a prophet like himself to guide Israel (Dt 18,15-18). This promised prophet was given a messianic connection in later Judaism. The quotation from Isaiah 40,3 describes perfectly, John’s role – “to make a straight way for the Lord.”
The question about why John the Baptist is baptising, if he is neither the Messiah nor the expected prophet, gives John the the opening to contrast himself and his baptism with water, with Jesus, who stands among them unrecognised, and for whom John is not worthy to be the most menial servant.
Like John the Baptist, we are called and sent by our baptism to witness to Jesus, in a world which like John’s, does not recognise him, who stands unknown in its midst.
Like John the Baptist we don’t have to be anything other than being ourselves to be effective witnesses, who point people to the Lord, by who we are and what we do, in our families, at work, in our parishes, at leisure, when shopping, or whatever.
Like John, too, we need the faith to be able to recognise the Lord’s presence in the Church, in the world, and often in the most unexpected places, people, and events., – the Lord of surprises.
The “priests and Levites” who claimed inside knowledge of the mind and ways of God, are obstacles to the plans of the God they claim to serve. Humble prayer is a sure way to avoid such hubris.
Advent is the perfect time to pray and prepare for the Christmas gift of a new birth in the Spirit for each of us.
Advent is also a golden opportunity to “bring good news to the poor”, by giving generously to one of the charities which help to feed and house the poor and homeless at Christmas.
We can share Christ’s love and light by being caring and open with those around us who are finding life difficult.
Fr Geoff O’Grady