3rd Sunday of Advent 2018

By Traditional Roman Catholic on December 15, 2018 in Advent, Sunday Reflections

A Surprise in the Making

János Philip, jphilip@mail.bme.hu

“Who art thou?” was the question of the Pharisees and the Levites. They took John very seriously because he was born of the priestly class. His father, Zecharia, had that famous vision while offering the sacrifice to Yahweh and he was struck dumb because of his disbelief. So the priestly leaders wondered if John was the Christ. He answered clearly: “I am not the Christ.” What then is his identity? For each of us there is an identity problem. Much like John we ask ourselves “Who are we?” In the case of John the Baptist they thought he might be Elias or the prophet. They did not know what they should tell the elders and so they asked what John had to say about himself. Now comes the important point.

John’s identity is determined by his relationship to Christ. “I am a voice crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the path of the Lord.'” The voice prepares the way for the Word. The Word was sent by the Father to teach, heal and to suffer. In each of these actions the Word would clearly present the Father’s love for all those who would listen.”This is my Beloved Son, listen to Him.” Thus spoke the Father at the moment of Jesus’ baptism. The Word made flesh was baptized to sanctify us not Himself. Our true identity is in our relationship to our Lord. How does He influence your every thought, word and deed?Have you come to the point where you keep in His presence throughout the day and night?Are you a voice for Him? Perhaps a helping hand to others is your mission. Each of us is determined by our union with our Lord.

Identity naturally leads us to our mission as it lead John to his. As a voice he called the Israelites back to their former love of God. When they came to be baptized they asked what they must do. Are you a soldier then do not harass others but do your duty with kindness. Are you a parent then take care of your children with love. John interpreted for each one being baptized what their role would be according to their state in life.But the objection came from the Levites: “If you are not the Christ, nor Elias nor the prophet, then why do you baptize?

Identity leads to mission and mission leads to a definite goal. John answered “I baptize with water but there is one among you whom you do not know. He will baptize you with the Holy Ghost.” Now this issue is pressing today. Why this baptism of water? This baptism of John was one of “repentance” which brings the person to recognize how far he has fallen from the grace of God. The baptism cleansed the spirit and brought with it the “humility” necessary to enter into the presence of God. So Identity finds its mission which is the act of humiliation to gain entrance to the divine.

Apply this pattern today to our hierarchy and our political parties. Pride acts like a setting sun. The deeper the pride the darker the sky and hence everything is painted in darkness. Pride removes the ability of the individual to know himself (no identity because there is no relationship to Christ). Darkness comes over the world of those whose pride dominates their world view. Demon-crats are filled with pride and can only utter darkness in their call to “impeach” the president. Pope Francis, Card. Cupich and the rest of that crowd do not focus on our Lord and His Word but they focus on the word of the world(i.e. global “fake” warming, false ecumenism, synods that go nowhere near Christ). If they are unable to break the darkness of their own pride, then how can they lead souls to the kingdom of heaven.

False prophets, proud leaders and sycophants darken our days and they will fall into the pits of their own making. Instead follow the pattern and let us have the mission of living the Truth. Be not ashamed to speak the truth of Christ no matter what the consequences may be. We do not want to remain in this world but we want as soon as possible to begin our eternal life with Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Only the promise of the Father can bring spiritual sense back to a darkened world…”Consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the same day and same time with the leadership of the pope in union with all the cardinals and bishops, then peace will come to the earth.”

Let your identity be derived from your love of Jesus, may your mission be to bring Him to an unbelieving and proud world and through your mission may the humility you live draw you deeply into the Sacred Heart. God bless you all with a holy preparation for the coming of the Lord. Rejoice, again I say, rejoice.

In the hearts of Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

Fr. Richard Voigt, S.D.B.

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