3rd Advent Sunday – Sermon Thoughts – Mt 11, 2-11

3rd Advent Sunday – Sermon Thoughts – Mt 11, 2-11

In today's Gospel we hear actually an interesting point.

This passage has 3 parts.

First, comes the question of the disciples of John the Baptist.

Then Jesus' answer to it.

Then the (praising) words of Jesus about John.

John sent his disciples with the question, "Are You the promised Messiah?" A question that may question the faith of John?

But we do know he has already recognized Jesus the Messiah, and accepted his greatness ... The Baptism of Jesus, was the sure reference.

Now what about the question: the experts of the Holy Script explain it, as a general question. The people of Israel are in waiting for the "right" savior.

In all the prophets they searched for this Messiah who would liberate them.

They have tried unsuccessfully in John ... but he said precisely that he was not the Messiah ... He was to prepare the way for the Messiah.

Thus came Jesus, then “he must be” the one who saves the people ...

But he does not say anything regarding it...

His activities gave no such hints for it ...

Of course there comes the question: Are you the one? Or should we wait for the right one? And that means, “shall we continue in this slavery"?

We can understand the feelings of the mass to some extent...

Because they suffered from the Romans a lot...

Now the answer of Jesus explains all ...

Many things written in the Psalms and from the prophet Isaiah comes true.

So Jesus clearly "admits" himself as the Messiah.

But unfortunately, People want only wonders ...they are moved the superficial events… they severely lack a deep understanding of the prophecies...

First and foremost the question John is resolved ...

John understands Jesus as the Messiah.

One can say: He confirms it again ... through this passage too.

The question and answer is really for us to awaken our faith ... to increase it to question it again and again…

Is Jesus the Christ? And how?

Is he light in my darkness (of faith)?

Is he a help in my life (path)?

If he is healing for me? How do I feel him?

Can I recognize his voice?

Jesus praises John, because he sees in Jesus the Messiah and welcomes him so. John is blessed because he understands the Messiah not as a political liberator ... Rather, a liberator of the soul ...

Yes, Jesus is the savior, who came to liberate us ...

Not a political freedom of the soul ...

He offers the peace and joy in and with God.

Advent is the time again to address this core issue.

Light, life, healing, joy.... immerse everything in God ...

This should be the supreme discovery of the time ...

This does not mean that we have a life without suffering and burden.

No, God promises us no such life.

But in everything- in sufferings and burdens

we must not leave the “Hand of God”.

He gives us strength and joy to continue to live and go.

On this third Sunday of Advent, we remember it specially,

that we have a God who goes with us ...

who strengthens us, lights our paths and heal our souls.

We are happy about that too…

May His peace and joy be with us. Amen.
--

Fr Thomas Kalathil