December 15, 2013

3rd Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6,10

   The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you." Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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Responsorial Psalm: 146:7,8,9-10
Response: Lord, come and save us. (or) Alleluia.
   The LORD God keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free. (Response)
   The LORD gives sight to the blind; the LORD raises up those who were bowed down. The LORD loves the just; the LORD protects strangers. (Response)
   The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. The LORD shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations. (Response)

Second Reading: James 5:7-10

   Be patient brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:2-11

   When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me." As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus

   The disciples asked a question to Jesus. The reply of Jesus to the question was understood by the disciples. Whenever the disciples needed clarification they approached Jesus. The disciples were not just passive listeners. They were active, in fact, in learning and understanding the scriptures and the interpretation given by the scribes.
   They had their doubts about Elijah’s return and the role of John the Baptist. There was some confusion regarding this. The scriptures and their interpretations were not giving a clear picture about the situation. The disciples appealed to Jesus and Jesus gave them clarification. Jesus’ interpretation clarified their doubts.