3rd Sunday of Advent (A)
December 8, 2022
“Mary gives a unique view of who God is”
December 9, 2022
We must have the humility to listen and the openness to change in order to embrace the Messiah and his Kingdom.
Matthew 11: 16 – 19
Advent is a time of listening. We are listening for the coming of the Messiah. We tune into the announcement made by the prophets, listening for the tell-tale signs of his arrival and presence.
Jesus was very critical of the people’s ability to listen. They were neither moved by the sound of pipes nor the sound of dirges. They could not perceive anything from the sombreness of John’s ascetic life nor the joy of Jesus’ celebrating.
Advent is also a time of change. They refused to change because they refused to listen. They failed to see beyond their own bias. Those who did not accept John the Baptist, only saw him as a possessed man. Those who did not accept Jesus, only saw him as a glutton and a drunkard, one who befriended tax collectors and prostitutes.
Advent invites us to humility and openness. We must have the humility to listen and the openness to change in order to embrace the Messiah and his kingdom. May this Advent find us humble and listening.
