WHEN EXPECTATIONS DO NOT MEET REALITY - 12/15/22 (Thursday of the Third Week in Advent)

Luke 7:27–28

This is the one about whom Scripture says: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you. 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.” 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121522.cfm

Blessed Thursday! Our Lord Jesus Christ reveals to us that St. John is the greatest of the Old Testament prophets. He prepared the way for the coming of the Messiah through the preaching of repentance and baptism of John. But, did everyone accept this truth? Unfortunately, not everyone believed in the message of St. John the Baptist and the gospel of our Lord Jesus. The Pharisees and the scribes were familiar with St. John who was baptizing many people. They even came to be baptized, but St. John the Baptist was honest with their sins and their need for true conversion. One of the reasons why Jesus asked whether the people were expecting St. John the Baptist to be a royalty was because some people in their time had wrong expectations. They expected someone who would be a worldly and political leader. Some people expected that they did not really need to repent because everything went well in their lives. Like them, our expectations about life and about ourselves may not reflect the reality around us. Some of us may think that the purpose in life is not really to glorify God but to simply be rich and get what we want. There are people who may think that there's nothing wrong in sins such as telling lies, speaking negatively of others, etc. God is always reminding us that we should abandon our false expectations because they will just hinder us from accepting God's plan of salvation for us. 

Meanwhile, the tax collectors, prostitutes and other sinners who came to be baptized by St. John acknowledged the righteousness of God. They rejoiced in God's mercy. How come that they're able to conform their wills with the will of God while the Pharisees and scribes were unable to do so? It's because they truly repented of their sins and humbled before God. Their hearts were open to the message of St. John the Baptist which made it easier for them to be moved by God's grace and follow Jesus Christ. We may recognize our weaknesses and brokenness as people. Some of us may be ashamed of our mistakes in the past. Let's not be troubled by this and let's continuously trust in our Lord. Jesus Christ came to us to redeem humanity. As we come closer to Christmas, may we remember that our Lord loves us amidst our dark past and sinful lifestyle. God's ways are higher than our ways. Despite our imperfections, He always calls us to be united to Him. Jesus said that even the least in the Kingdom of God were greater than St. John. He pertained to the reality that in the New Covenant, due to the sacraments like the Mass and the confession, we become sharers in the divinity of Christ. And, despite our sins, we have the hope of entering heaven and be with God who is the source of eternal happiness. This gift has only been possible because of the coming of Jesus Christ in the New Covenant. Let's abandon our false expectations in life and let's rejoice because our Savior brings us the joy of salvation. 

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: Dominic

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