There are so many talents given to human. But among them the talent of questioning is very special one. Without this there is no philosophy, there is no discoveries and inventions, there is no life at all...
We see this questioning not only in matured one, but even in children. They are very special in forming their questions too. Some times it is very interesting too. It comes out of their curiosity.
We hear 3 times such a question in the gospel.
who are you? the question is repeated thrice to John the Baptist.
Each time the question gets more additions too.
At first I found it very delighting and positive, because they seemed to be very interested in the proclamation of John the Baptist. But the later sentences prove that their questions were not for any creative/ faith-winning- purpose at all. They were there to report on John and his activities. They were simply informants. Or Undercover Informants.
Then, it was such a powerful proclamation done by John; but these people weren't willing to accept the good news as their hearts were closed - or it was mainly busy with their reporting function.
They remained just informants and reporters while others were "transformed" and "receivers".
Of course we are in doubt and in need of answers in our faith practise.
We need some explanation to some happenings in our life.
And these questions get answered if we are open to the truth.
If we are willing to hear and perceive the divine happenings in and around us.
The first reading of the Sunday which is from Prophet Isaiah 61 gives a picture on John. According to the life style of the people in Palestine, the message was not new to them at that time. Then they lived in expecting the coming of the Messiah- their Saviour. At least the scribes and the Priests should have associated the words and works of John together with the Messianic prophecy. They were afraid of the Messiah. So they sent reporters to John the Baptist.
Messiah was not someone to be feared.
Because he is the saviour.
The Prophet Isaiah underlines it. He brings justice and happiness to all.
Of course, the happiness of some may bring fear and losing wealth and status in others; this is reflected in the reactions of different groups in Judea in connection with the coming of the Messiah.
The ordinary folk were welcoming him as the rich and governing groups rejected.
John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light.
Normally we have witness for the past events. We need them to prove something happened earlier.
John the Baptist becomes a special witness: because he is witnessing not some past events, but he gives testimony of that is to happen. He becomes the divine-sign and witness of some thing to come.
This 3rd Sunday enriches us with the thought, to be joyful, even in doubts; even if our lives are surrounded with thousand questions.
We cannot find a matching answers for all our questions in life. Happy is the one who finds answers to his questions.
But we can remain still open and trusting in God, in Divine mediation.
God has an answer and a reason for all our questions.
We can achieve this happiness and Joy only with open hearts.
Our Blessed Virgin Mary too asked questions; but she remained open to the will of God, which gifted her with the unique present - the status of the Mother of God.
Let us learn this grace: to ask questions to God and be open towards his will.
Let us live our advent- expecting the salvation- in Joy and Happiness.
May God bless us all. Amen!
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Fr Thomas Kalathil
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