Dear Friends,

Advent

During this Advent season I have been studying the gospel of Luke, prompted by the fact that this gospel provides us with the most information regarding the early events of the births of St. John the Baptist and our Lord Jesus Christ.

From our Christian perspective we know that John was sent as the forerunner of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi, “Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.” (Malachi 3:1)

In Luke, Jesus makes some significant comments regarding his cousin John:

“What did you go out into the wilderness to behold?

A reed shaken by the wind?

What then did you go out to see?

A man clothed in soft clothing?

Behold, those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts.

What then did you go out to see?

A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet…

I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John…” (Luke 7:24-28)

Luke tells us that the people were divided regarding Jesus’ words. The tax–collectors and sinners were pleased because they were baptized by John and received forgiveness. The Pharisees on the other hand rejected John’s baptism, taking comfort in their own righteousness. Thus they harbored anger and resentment not only against John, but even more so Jesus.

We all know that this resentment would ultimately to the instigation of the people and consequently lead to the arrest and death of our Lord. From our understanding the actions and words of both John and Jesus were for our salvation – indeed words calling for repentance and offering true life. Yet many rejected these words of truth and chose to be angry and opposed to the Truth.

If only those challenged with anger and resentment towards others could hear the following practical words of our Lord Jesus: “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:37.38)

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With prayers.
Hayr Simeon
December 2, 2007