Homily: Third Thursday of Advent

Third Thursday of Advent (Lk. 7:24-30) “Blinding Light”

Light is a primary symbol for Advent. We are in the darkest time of the year. We get up in the morning and we must turn on artificial light. Sometimes it can get a bit depressing.

How do we pick up our mood. We light candles and we decorate trees with strings of lights. Christmas ornaments are shiny so they can reflect light. When we see the gaily twinkling lights our spirits are lifted.

At night, when it is dark, the light from the windows of our homes shines out and people can look in to see what is happening inside our homes. During the day the light outside overwhelms the light inside our home. In order to see in a house in bright sunlight we must block out the light by cupping our hands over the glass. The question is always what light is brightest.

We have an allusion to that law of Physics in our reading today. John the Baptist came into the world. His birth was a miraculous one. His elderly parents had given up hope for a child, but God intervened, and John was born.

Jesus’ birth was far more spectacular. He, of course was born of a virgin. His birth was not heralded by only one angel, but his birth was celebrated by choirs of angels.

John the Baptist preaching was popular for the waves of people who came to see him. He spoke of repentance. His preaching pointed to a starting point in people’s spiritual lives. One of the first steps of spiritual growth is to confess our sins and receive absolution.

Jesus’ preaching was even more moving. He preached for several years to thousands of people. His message was even more fundamental than John’s. Before we can appreciate the need for conversion, we first must be aware of the love that God has for us.

Jesus came to show us that love. He healed the sick. He fed the hungry. He lifted the broken hearted. His message was all about good news.  Jesus’ light overwhelmed John the Baptist’s. His light overwhelms every other light. His love drives away the darkness of death and despair. May we bathe in that light these last days of Advent.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do I like darkness? Do I prefer light?

2.    What comes first in our spiritual journey? Is it a sense of God’s love or is it a sense of our personal sin?

 Dear Parishioners,

           We are moving closer to Christmas. I am working on my Christmas letters right now. There is a lot to do to get ready to celebrate the holiday. One thing that has helped me has been turning off the social media. I have so much more time then to accomplish what I need to do. Somehow, I am not so overwhelmed. This is one of my Advent penances. It also allows me to have more time to pray and reflect.

          Remember that the last of our Advent vesper services is coming up on Sunday. If you have not attended, this is your chance. Perhaps this experience might remind you of why Christmas is so important.

          May Our Lady watch over our world this day.

          Fr. Mark