HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF ADVENT.

THEME: THE ROLE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.

BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali.

“I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7: 28). We are coming to the end of the first part of Advent focusing on the second coming of Jesus Christ.

In the first reading (Is 54: 1-10), the prophet Isaiah reassures the Israelites in exile that the Lord will be faithful to the promises He made to Abraham and bring many children to the old and barren women just as He did to Abraham’s wife, Sarah. There will be new life to the people who seemed to have been deserted by their God.

In the gospel (Luke 7: 24-30), we encounter Jesus making a description of the role of John the Baptist. John is praised as one who is preparing the way for the One who will usher in the Reign of God. However, despite this exalted position, Jesus declares that the least one who has embraced the Reign of God is greater than John.

Dear friends, Jesus has come to establish the Reign of God and anyone who welcomes this Reign of God in their life through the process of repentance, and readiness to serve as instruments to make it real and present will definitely enjoy the peace of God’s presence. Are you only seeking for the fulfilment of God’s promises in your life or are you ready to be a part of the process of its fulfilment in and around you?

I pray as we journey in life today, may we remember that Jesus needs us now to bring to fulfilment in our time those promises God made us from of old. May we be active participants in bringing about peace and fulfilment of God’s promises by the way we live our life daily. May we declare with the Psalmist that our mourning is changed into dancing and as such, we give thanks to God forever (Ps 30: 13). Have a promise fulfilment-full day!

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