Sharing of life question: What are you most and least grateful for this week?

Facilitator reads focus statement: In the first reading, Isaiah offers hope to weak and frightened Israelites living in exile. In the second reading, James also offers hope to people awaiting the Second Coming of the Lord. The imprisoned John the Baptist is confused about the identity of Jesus.

If you have not read the commentary prior to the meeting, consider reading it before or after you read the scripture readings.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10

In this reading, the people of Israel are in exile because of their infidelity to their covenant with God. But God’s prophet now announces Good News; their time of exile is about to end. God is coming to liberate his broken-hearted people. Just as Moses led their ancestors through the desert to the Promised Land, God will lead his people through the desert and back to the Promised Land. But this journey through the desert will not be rigorous and difficult like their first journey. Their way will be eased by the gracious hand of God. Nature will be transformed. Oasis would spring up to refresh them and where once brambles and thorns had made travel difficult, now flowers and beautiful foliage would decorate their path. Also, during their journey the frightened would become bold, the feeble would gain strength and the blind, the lame and deaf would experience liberation.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 146

This psalm expresses God’s concern for the disenfranchised and poor.

SECOND READING: James 5:7-10

In our second reading, James counsels the Christian community to practice patience. (People were becoming inpatient because Jesus’ return or Second Coming was being delayed and because of conflicts in the community.) James uses the image of a farmer to make his point. Just as a farmer is subject to the elements of nature and the weather and must cooperate with them, so must the Christian practice patience with God’s timing and ways. James also urges his readers to take as models the prophets who suffered much as they spoke the word of God.

GOSPEL: Matthew 11:2-11

Last week, we encountered John out in the desert; today we meet him in prison -- an experience that must have been awful for a man who loved the wilderness. He is in jail because he told Herod that it was wrong for him to marry his brother’s wife. The gospel has two parts: the first speaks about John’s doubts and in the second, Jesus clarifies John’s role in the plan of salvation.

It would seem that John’s followers have been reporting to him about the ministry of Jesus, his healings and his befriending of sinners. John is confused because Jesus is not turning out to be the type of Messiah that he announced. John, it seems, was looking for more of a forceful and authoritative expression of power. Where were the axe, the winnowing fan and fire spoken about last Sunday? John wonders if Jesus is the One who is to come or should he look for another? Jesus’ response is indirect. Contrary to popular expectations, Jesus was not going to be a militaristic Messiah who would drive out the Romans nor would he be a "hell-fire and damnation" Messiah. Rather, he would fulfill the vision of the Messiah described by Isaiah in today’s first reading. He would perform healing and preach mercy. "Blest are they who would find not scandal or stumbling block in Jesus and his ministry." These words are intended to challenge John and his followers to adjust their perception of the Messiah and how God would choose to save the world.

Having clarified his own role and mission, Jesus went on to clarify John’s role in history. John is not reed swaying in the wind like the unprincipled jailer, Herod. John’s role is more than any of the great prophets. His role is to announce the coming of the Messiah and to prepare people for his coming. Yet the least in the New Kingdom that Jesus is inaugurating is greater than John because they will experience the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which will occur after John had died.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse or image spoke to you most? Why?

2. The first reading speaks about "frightened hearts". At times, all of us feel scared and fragile. What helps you to make it through such times?

3. James speaks about "patient waiting". Can you recall a time when you had to patiently wait for God? How did you cope with that? Are you a patient person?

4. John was confused about Jesus’ identity because of his miracles and works of mercy. Is there anything about God’s ways that confuses you?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on today’s readings? Suggestions: Be open to the unexpected ways of God and consider attending your parish’s Penance Service.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray for the grace to recognize the surprising ways of God. Pray that Catholics who have not received the Sacrament of Reconciliation in a long time will be moved to do so this Advent season. ©