Homily For Thursday Third Week of Advent Year A, 15th December, 2022

Readings Is. 54:1-10;Ps. 30; Luke 7: 24-30

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

HOW ARE YOU PLAYING YOUR ROLE IN THE MISSION OF CHRIST ?

As Christians, one of the mandate that Jesus gave to us is to proclaim the Good News of our salvation, for in this mandate everyone of us has a special role to play. But the question is how are we playing this role? In our Gospel passage today, Jesus talks about the mission and role of John the Baptist when after John’s messengers had gone he said: What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Oh no, those A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says: See, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare the way before you. ‘I tell you, of all the children born of women, there is no one greater than John.

Here, Jesus talk about the manner in which John the Baptist plays his role in the mission entrusted to him.  John knew who he was in the sight of God. He knew his strengths and his weaknesses, he knew that his life was centered on Christ. No doubt the mission of John the Baptist was quite challenging as he encountered many obstacles just like other prophets before him. He faced strong opposition and rejection from the Pharisees who doubted and challenged his teaching and works for baptism of repentance of which many people believed in him. 

This though, was not a burden for him, for he clearly understood God’s sovereignty, he understood who Jesus is. He rejoiced in the coming of Jesus and his role in the mission and life of Jesus. He knew he was the announcer of Good News, but not the Good News itself. However, he did not have to make a public show of himself. He was not out to promote his own ministry or reputation. Even though it seems as if he is becoming insignificance when Jesus arrived, he did not feel so. His aim was to identify Jesus to the people which he did with all humility. 

Thus, John shows us what it means to be a true disciple of the Lord. That as disciples, we should not allow pride, ambition, ego and selfish desire to dictate how we live our lives. If not, we will easily be carried away by worldly temptations and lose our way by falling deep into the trap of sin. Rather, we are called to be humble and to be faithful to God at all times. Hence, prophet Isaiah in our first reading  today said: do not be afraid, you will not be put to shame, do not be dismayed, you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth.

Dear friends, we all have a significant place in the plan of God. No doubt that John understood his role in the mission of Christ and shows the essence of humility in exercising it. Do we have any clue of what our role is in the mission of Christ? In what ways do we exemplify humility in the little task entrusted to us? Let us learn from John the Baptist how to humbly exercise our role in any task or mission entrusted to us. 

LET US PRAY: Almighty God, you created each one of us to fulfill your plan on earth, grant us the grace to faithfully and courageously fulfill our mission and purpose in this world. As we contemplate the example of John the Baptist, may we learn to be humble in carrying out the mission and vocation entrusted to us, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed and joyful day.