Allocution, Sunday, December 13, Third Sunday of Advent
Today, December 13, third Sunday of Advent we listen to this text from the Gospel according to Saint John, chapter 1, verses 19 to 28.
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Each of us has a special mission inspired by God: to be witnesses, to bear witness to the light of Christ, to draw everyone to faith.
John the Baptist carried out his mission: to prepare the arrival of the Messiah, of the Christ. The Baptist was the voice of God crying out in the desert. His voice was not heard by everyone but his mission was to announce and prepare the presence of Christ in this humanity.
He baptized for conversion, to change thoughts, feelings and actions. This baptism was a preparation for the true baptism of Christ. We have received this baptism. Like Christ we have been anointed by the Holy Spirit to give good news to those who suffer, to bind up broken hearts, to proclaim freedom to the captives of sin, to announce a new year of hope and peace.
Having our baptismal certificate in the living room reminds us every day of this mission given by Christ and since baptism reminds us of conversion and change, we ask ourselves: Do I give good news or much more bad news? Am I next to those who cry to comfort them? I try to free the prisoners bound by sin from their prison.
This is a good examination of conscience that helps me convert this Advent and thus prepare for Christmas.
(Song)
In our mission we encounter many difficulties and impediments and we protest against Christ who launched us on the mission of love and we understand that He Himself does not help us.
A farmer asked God to allow him to command nature, so that, according to him, his crops would yield better.
And God granted it to him.
So when the peasant wanted light rain, this was what happened when he asked for sun, it shone in its splendor, if he needed more water, it rained more regularly. But when harvest time arrived, it turned out to be a total failure, which caused surprise and astonishment.
Puzzled and upset, the farmer asked God the reason for such a disaster.
God answered him: You asked me for what you wanted, but not what was really convenient. You never asked for storms, and these are very necessary to clean the crops, scare away birds and other animals that consume them, and purify them from pests that destroy them.
This is how it happens to us, we want our lives to be pure love and sweetness, no problems.
The optimist is not one who does not see difficulties, but rather one who is not afraid of them and does not back down.
That is why we can affirm that difficulties are advantages, because they mature people, they make them grow. The important thing is not to flee from the storms, but to have faith and trust that they will soon pass and leave something good in our lives.
The first success does not mean victory and the first failure does not mean defeat.
Ask yourself if what you are doing today brings you closer to the place you want to be tomorrow.
(Song)
What do the figures of the birth mean?
The starry sky: Jesus brings light where there is darkness and illuminates those who go through the darkness of suffering.
The star and the angels: They are our guide and protection when we are on our way to worship the Lord.
The Virgin Mary: The Mother of God does not have her Son for herself, but asks everyone to pay attention to her Word.
Saint Joseph: He is the custodian who never tires of protecting his family. He fully trusted the will of God.
The shepherds: The most humble and poor were those who knew how to welcome the event of birth.
The Three Wise Men: They traveled from far away. They were rich and wise men who did not hesitate to kneel before Jesus.
Other people: They represent everyday holiness, the joy of making the ordinary extraordinary.
A good preparation for Christmas is to have the nativity scene at home. The Saint Joseph of the house, the Virgin Mary of the house, the shepherds of the house, the wise men of the house. Everyone, dad, mom, grandparents, children and grandchildren prepare a birth to continually remember the joy that God is with us and will never leave us abandoned.
(Song)
For these days of preparation for Christmas the Holy Spirit tells us in today’s second reading, Thessalonians, chapter 5, verses 16 to 24.
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We pray to the Virgin Mary:
Oh my Lady! Oh my mother! I offer myself entirely to you and in proof of my filial affection I consecrate to you on this day, my eyes, my ears, my tongue, my heart; In a word, my entire being. And since I am all yours, Oh Mother of goodness, take care of me and carry me as your son that I am. Amen.
May the Father who created me bless me, may the Son who suffered for me on the cross defend me, may the Holy Spirit, who lives and acts in me, enlighten me. Amen.
(Song)