JESUS, OUR KING, IS NEAR - 12/11/22 (Third Sunday of Advent)

Matthew 11:7–9

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind? Why then did you go out? To see a man dressed in soft robes? Behold, those who wear soft robes are in kings’ houses.  Why then did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121122.cfm

Blessed Gaudete Sunday! Gaudete means "Rejoice!" The coming of Christ is near, but why do we anticipate His coming so much? Who is Jesus for us? First, we saw in the Gospel that, indeed, Jesus is a Prophet but more than that. The Old Testament is filled with the lives, missions, and messages of the prophets such as Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, and others. The people believed them and were in awe of them as prophets are messengers from God. However, Jesus is not only a Prophet but also the promised Messiah from the beginning. He is the Son of God who will save the world. It is strange how we cannot marvel at this thought when we realize this.

God, who is the King of all, who chose to be Man to save us from our sins. This is the essence of the Incarnation, and the very root of this is Love. He came because of His great love for us so that we may live with Him forever in heaven through reconciliation. God did not need to do this because it was we who sinned against Him. He was sinless, yet He chose to bear our sins through the Cross. It was we who should’ve been there as punishment for our sinfulness, but Jesus came and bore it all for us. This is what we shall remember and reflect on as we approach the Christmas season.

Jesus’ Love is far greater than our sins. This is in itself a great cause for rejoicing. But we will not fully experience this if we do not go to Church and receive the sacrament of reconciliation. We must go to God in the confessional if we truly want to receive all the graces He wants to give us, as sins block the grace coming from God. If we strive to be holy through our perseverance in the reception of the sacraments, then it is a profession of God’s Kingship in our lives. It is a manifestation of our belief that He is more than a Prophet but our God – the Bread who came down from Heaven so that we can consume  Him in the Holy Eucharist and be saved. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: F.M.M.J

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth