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Exegesis
December
14, 2008
Third Sunday of Advent (B)
Betty Jane
Lillie, S.C.
Is 61:1-2a,10-11
X
Lk 1:46-50, 53-54
X 1 Thess 5:16-24
X
Jn 1:6-8,19-28
From
beginning to end our readings this Sunday ring out glad tidings to the
people of God. In the case of the first reading we have the prophetic
oracle of Third Isaiah (Is 56-66) whose words of release and restoration to
the exiles in Babylon signaled the rescue from captivity. They had returned
to the Lord and to the practice of authentic religion.
Our passage from Isaiah 61 presents a summary of the hopes that
enlivened the desires of the exiles for their restoration to their own
land. The proclamation of the time of the Lord’s favor brings them to
rejoice greatly in God’s salvation. The Lord God would cause
righteousness and praise to become apparent in their way of life
and thus to be proclaimed to all the nations. Isaiah used the metaphor of
putting on the garment of salvation, being robed in righteousness, and being
adorned with garments and jewels as of a wedding festivity. This for us
sets the tone of Advent during which we look forward to the celebration of
Christ’s birth.
This was Good News to the faithful servants of the Lord. (Is
61:1) God’s merciful redemption rescued them from oppression and brought
comfort and joy. They were filled with new energy and put on the mantle of
gladness. (Is 61:3) This new energy filled their resolve to rebuild their
ruined city where the Lord had chosen to dwell among his people. The
prophetic oracle here uses the figure of new growth in nature. Just as the
earth brings forth new plant life and a garden becomes productive, so will
God’s righteousness show God’s goodness in the world.
In line with the joyful message the Psalm response is taken from
Mary’s Magnificat that signaled the birth of our Messiah. The prayer
resounds with the exaltation of the mercy and power of God for those who
love and praise him unto future generations. Those who turned to God in
reverential love and respect would see beneficence to humankind.
Our second reading carries the message forward into the Pauline
faith communities. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in
all circumstances.” Paul continued with some instruction about how to live
in that frame of mind. “Do not quench the Spirit.” Live a virtuous
Christian life, for the One who calls us is faithful to his promises and
will surely be present to us.
All of this will come to a focus in our Gospel reading from the
Johannine Evangelist. John the Baptist came to testify to the true light
that was coming into the world to enlighten everyone. (Jn 1:6-9) When the
religious establishment of the time checked out John and his message, John
referred back to the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3 by way of identifying himself
as the forerunner to the One who was to come, but not the Messiah, or not
the Christ. (Jn 1:20)
As the Baptist
said, there was One in their midst whom they did not know. That One was
greater than John who was his faithful servant. Let us put ourselves in
John’s place and welcome the Lord into our hearts.
Betty Jane Lillie, S.C. |
