Reflection for THURSDAY, 3rd Week of Advent.

By 

  Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Director, Social Action Movement, Don Bosco Bidar

Gospel Verses 

Luke 7:24-30

After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.  But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: 

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way before you.’ 

I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 

All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John. 


Meditation on the Word of God 

The four weeks of the season of Advent is often understood as a time of waiting, and of course a time of prayer.

It is also a time to enter into a period of silence, which is much needed especially in this time of busyness.

But the main purpose in this time of prayer, silence and waiting is to read and meditate on the Scripture readings, and there are readings for each day of the season of Advent.

Special attention should be paid to the prophecies of the Old Testament which point to the promise of the Saviour.

In the gospel, it was the John the Baptist who was the prophet voice for the people, and he prepared the people for the coming of the Saviour through the baptism for repentance.

For us who already believe that Jesus had come to fulfill the promise of God, we need to remember that promise of His second coming.

What God had promised His people in the Old Testament is also promised to us in our present times.

Let us listen again and meditate on this verse from today’s 1st reading:

For the mountains may depart, 

the hills shaken, 

but my love for you will never leave you, 

and my covenant of peace with you will never be shaken, 

says the Lord who takes pity on you.

GOD BLESS YOU

Good morning. Have a nice day.