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John Embry: "Gaudete" Sunday

The Advent season is now in full swing.  The Gospel reading from week one came from Matthew and we heard about Noah.  We read about the dangers of being caught up in the day-to-day activities of life.  It is a cautionary tale of not being prepared for the coming of the Lord and the consequences that can come from that lack of preparation.  It is a call to vigilance.

Week two’s reading introduced to us a familiar figure - John the Baptist - and with it his call to repentance for “the kingdom of God it at hand.”  The rather unorthodox countenance of John helps to drive home the message of turning away from one’s sins and the importance of producing “good fruit” as evidence of true repentance.  Words alone are not enough for John. 

Now into week three of Advent, our focus is on joy (or rejoicing) and is celebrated as “Gaudete” (GOW-day-tay) Sunday in many Christian traditions. 


The Gospel reading comes from Matthew 11:2-11:


When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ,

he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question,

"Are you the one who is to come,

or should we look for another?"

Jesus said to them in reply,

"Go and tell John what you hear and see:

the blind regain their sight,

the lame walk,

lepers are cleansed,

the deaf hear,

the dead are raised,

and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.

And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."

As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John,

"What did you go out to the desert to see?

A reed swayed by the wind?

Then what did you go out to see?

Someone dressed in fine clothing?

Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.

Then why 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:

Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;

he will prepare your way before you.

Amen, I say to you,

among those born of women

there has been none greater than John the Baptist;

yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."


Again, the figure and specific role of John the Baptist comes into focus for us.  However, at this juncture, John’s time is coming to a close as he is in prison, while the time of Jesus and his purpose are slowing coming into view for many - believers and non-believers alike.  

Many things in the passage below are ripe for reflection.  One part that always stands out to me in this exchange is when John poses this fundamental question to Jesus:  "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" The answer Jesus gives is one points to action, not just words.

 I think many of us, on some level, wonder this same thing today.  Unfortunately, by how we sometimes live our lives, it appears that we are clearly looking for another.  Sure, we may speak with our mouths about how we believe in Jesus but too often the things we do (or don't do!) and the choices we make say otherwise.  Our choices, our actions sometimes say we believe more in sports, not Jesus; our career, not Jesus; our material possessions, not Jesus; our money, not Jesus.  You get the picture.

Jesus compels a choice. Sincere repentance requires an acknowledgement of sin and it is a prerequisite to a true belief in Jesus. Words can initiate belief but then it must not stop there.  Take action. Do we honestly believe that Jesus is the One who came and who He says He is? If not, then follow the message of John, repent and turn toward Jesus. If the answer to that question is yes, then praise God for your faith.  Either way, rejoice on this “Gaudete” Sunday and take heart for the birth of your Savior (and his second coming) are fast approaching.  

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Questions?  Send to [email protected].  

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