Third Week of Advent, Dec.23, 2006

Scripture: Malachai 3:1-4, 23-24. Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14. Luke 1:57-66 As we near the day of the Lord's birth we first listen to the birth of the Lord's precursor, John the Baptist. We have the story in today's Gospel and the selection from Malachai about Elijah gives us the background for this narrative while the Psalm with its response further aids our preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus as Savior, as Redeemer. We know from the Scriptures that both Elizabeth and Zechariah, the parents of the Baptist, were astounded by the miraculous event of their child's conception. In fact, Zechariah was struck dumb because he did not trust the word of the angel Gabriel in the announcement in the Temple. Both Elizabeth and Zechariah are very holy people who were righteous before the Lord, but there was this last purification of them by the Holy Spirit in the miracle that unfolds. The surprises of God's grace and mercy are such that we, too, are from time privileged to share in them while being purified of our doubts and fears. We learn that both Elizabeth and Zechariah concur in giving the new born baby the name John even though this name was not one in their family and tribal tradition. Now both are listening and open to what the Spirit is saying to them. John is his name. The child will be taken to the Temple and circumcized on the eighth day. Why then the prophet Malachai for our first reading? Because Malachai announces that the prophet Elijah will usher in the day of the Lord, that is, the day of the Messiah. We learn from Jesus himself and from the Gospels that John is to be seen as the new appearance of one who is the Elijah of the Messianic era for the Christians. Our Jewish fellow brothers and sisters continue to remember Elijah as the precursor of Messianic times during the feast of Passover as they celebrate in their homes the seder service of the Pesach. When John does appear in history this is easily seen in his preaching, his asceticism, and his holiness calling all to be baptized into the waters of forgiveness. The historian Josephus will give us an important historical sketch of the greatness of Baptist thus confirming the event of his life in secular history. So we, too, are helped by today's readings as we think and ponder over John's role as the precursor, the herald, and the witness to Our Lord. He helps us get into the spirit of preparing the way of the Lord which is now so near. Returning to his parents who are rejoicing at his birth and celebrating it, we will hear from the opened mouth and tongue of Zechariah his great hymn that Luke gives us. We call it the Benedictus and use it each morning withing the Church's Morning Praise. Thus we have today and tomorrow to prepare for the coming of Jesus. We have listened to Mary's hymn praising God, now we praise God with the song of Zechariah. In many ways they touch upon the same themes. Luke our masterful artist and theologian has helped us to ponder over and pray with two wonderful persons who have led us throughout this Advent to prepare for the coming of our Messiah, Jesus Christ. Amen.