Sunday Gospel Reflection
3rd Sunday of Advent
Matthew 11:2-11 | December 11, 2022
John the Baptist, the Lord’s Advance Party
Josie Gonzales
“When John the Baptist heard in prison about the things that Christ was doing, he sent some of his disciples to him. ‘Tell us,’ they asked Jesus, ‘are you the one John said was going to come…?’
Jesus answered, ‘Go back and tell John what you are hearing and seeing…the dead are brought back to life, and the Good News is preached to the poor.
‘How happy are those who have no doubts about me!’
…the scripture says: ‘God said, I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.’
I assure you that John the Baptist is greater than anyone who has ever lived. But the one who is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than John.”
Jesus said, “John the Baptist is greater than anyone who has ever lived. But the one who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John. “
Let’s pause for a moment…could that be you or me? Or anyone else perhaps? Mind-boggling as it seems but the Kingdom of God is here, there, and everywhere…Christ Jesus tells us that His Kingdom is within us—in our hearts and in our minds. God is with us all the time if we listen to John the Baptist calling us to tread the narrow path. He has paved the way for the coming of our Redeemer, reminding us to live according to the will of the Father—to love God above all, love our neighbor, to repent and make amends.
The Kingdom of Heaven in this Gospel is the whole universe where God is the king and reigns supreme. He gave us Jesus, our source of eternal life and John the Baptist, who came before Him constantly reminding us to ‘follow Jesus’. Where are we? Are we on the path of St. John?
Ang sabi ni Hesus, “Ako ang Daan, ang Katotohanan, at ang Buhay. Walang makakarating sa Ama kung hindi sa pamamagitan Ko.” Napakalinaw ng mensahe ng Panginoon sa atin. Huwag na tayong mag atubili…sabayan natin si San Juan Bautista sa daang makipot patungo sa buhay na walang hanggan—gantimpala ng Diyos sa mga sumusunod sa Kanya.
John the Baptist is Jesus’ advance party announcing the coming of our Savior. This is likened to heads of government, kings and queens, politicians, business magnates, the Pope and our spiritual leaders who also have advance parties to ensure ‘the path is straight’. Days ahead, the streets are cleared, buildings are inspected, and routes are secured. People become aware of the big event and prepare to participate or witness a once-in-a lifetime event: presidential inaugurals, Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, the Pope’s visit, beauty pageants. In short, preparations are necessary to ensure success of any undertaking…and Jesus’ coming is the biggest undertaking man will ever witness and prepare for…it is our eternal happiness in His kingdom that is at stake.
Let’s all listen to John the Baptist. I trust readers will find meaning and purpose in my reflection and also start reflecting on their own Godsent “advance party/parties” as part of their spirituality.
They say that “there is no place like home” and true enough, after two weeks in Canada, I was homesick. But God, in His wondrous ways, gave me that space to think and seriously think about my spiritual journey, staying with me, talking to me, listening to me, calling my attention, again and again until I realized and met my ‘God-sent advance party’ (among others). In her, I saw John the Baptist reminding me about Jesus—His love, patience, compassion. I witnessed her patience, compassion, and love for family. I saw her unselfishness and love for others—her very caring nature, goodness of heart, no complaints even after a hard day’s work, never mind if her loved ones’ things are in disarray. She told me, “pinagsasabihan ko po sila ligpitin ang kalat pero dun sila maligaya” (meaning, they do things they enjoy but are unable to clean up). And to her, that is “happiness”. Sobrang positive ang pananaw sa buhay!
This is one personal experience about today’s Gospel that will live with me forever—a witnessing of God’s patience, compassion, and love that I saw and felt from a dear loved one. Nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoon sa pagkakataong nakilala ko ang isang “advance party” ni Hesus sa buhay ko.
My husband and I spent a month in Canada visiting with my oldest son and his family, whom we had not seen since they left Manila five years ago. We had a lot of fun and pleasant memories, out-of-town trips to parks and falls on weekends where sometimes they had to take leave from work. We had picnic in Bowness Park, explored Downtown Calgary, visited iconic tourist destinations Banff and Waterton, celebrated my son’s 50 birthday and Thanksgiving just walking around, shopping, eating…life is truly full of blessings!
Let’s give back to the Almighty Father. The rewards are never-ending: siksik, liglig at umaapaw!!!!!
While in Canada, I spent some time watching videos on YouTube some social experiments on generosity, benevolence, sharing with the needy, kindness, some heartwarming stories of incredible help that bring joy and tears, homecoming of military dads and moms, life changing moments of help to the homeless and jobless. Then, I picked up some beautiful messages of thanksgiving and gratitude and ‘food for thought’ that I would like to pass on to our dear readers: kindness still exists. Pray for me and I’ll pray for you and one day you will pay it forward. Thanks for being nice. Give back as often as you can, it’ll change your life. I love you and God loves you more. The joy of reunion brings happy tears. The hardest good-byes result in the sweetest reunions. But, what moved me most was what a good soul told the homeless girl whose mom just passed away, was hungry and had nowhere to go. As he handed her 2,000 dollars, he said, “You are going to SEE yourself that you FIND yourself”—a message so inspiring and full of hope. I believe this is what Jesus means ‘to love others’. And, as we approach Christmas time, let’s give and just give, in many ways pleasing to God, no matter what the cost. The Lord will do the rest.
Hindi ba sinabi ni Hesus na sa kaharian ng kanyang Ama ay maraming palasyo? Ito ay nakalaan para sa atin—sa mga sumusunod sa mga utos ng Diyos.
The Almighty Father waits for us. There in His kingdom, let’s find ourselves—no worries, no cares…all love and compassion.
A blessed and peaceful Sunday to all!
