3rd Sunday in Advent - Fr. Nate Wills, C.S.C.

Описание: People don't always align to the way we think they should look like or act — this has become all the more clear in the age of Zoom meetings and remote work. This misalignment of reality and expectations is at the heart of today's readings.

We hear from Isaiah that the Messiah will turn everything upside down: the eyes of the blind will be opened, the deaf will hear. These are the promises of the Savior.

Then we have a curious Gospel. John the Baptist, who has been intently preparing people for the coming of the Messiah, is now in prison. A question arises: is Jesus actually the Messiah? For John, reality misaligns with his expectations. He is looking for a Messiah who will "bring the hammer," as it were.

But Jesus' ministry is not at all what he thought; it is a Gospel of compassion and healing. It's no wonder John the Baptist sends his friends to ask if Jesus is really the Chosen One. The Messiah was supposed to bring freedom to captives — but there John is, stuck in prison.

Jesus' response is not a simple "yes." It is a deeper affirmation that the prophecies of Isaiah are indeed being fulfilled — even if it looks different than they may have thought.

On this Gaudete Sunday, we rejoice because our Savior has come into the world. He has won victory over sin and death. There is abundant reason for joy and for hope.

And yet we know that our world is still in need of healing. It doesn't take much to look around and lose hope, to find reasons to despair. The letter of James in our second reading encourages us to be patient. We should not be discouraged but should recognize what stands in the way of us allowing Christ into our lives. How might each of us look beyond our present challenges to find the goodness and blessings before our very eyes? How might we open our hearts and look past our expectations to see Christ's presence in our midst?

This advent season, we await the coming of Christ. At the same time, let us rejoice and hope. Jesus our Savior is with us always.

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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."
Matthew 11:2-11

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The Congregation of Holy Cross is a community of Catholic, apostolic priests and brothers called by Jesus Christ and founded by Blessed Basil Moreau, who patterned the religious community after the Holy Family.

The brothers and priests of Holy Cross pray and live united in a common religious life, sharing the same history, vows, and spirituality, and drawing from Blessed Moreau’s trust in Divine Providence, confidence in the Cross as our only hope – Ave Crux, Spes Unica – and zeal to make God known, loved, and served.

Holy Cross priests and brothers are called upon to be educators in the faith, who with a preferential option for the poor, educate both the mind and heart principally in the fields of education, parish, and mission.

Our distinctive charism and trust in Divine Providence has guided Holy Cross members to found world-renowned institutes of Catholic higher education, parishes across the United States and Mexico, along with other important ministries on five continents. The Congregation of Holy Cross is a vibrant and committed community thriving today with Blessed Moreau’s original zeal and passion to love and serve the people of God.

We are men with hope to bring!

If you’re interested in a life of service to others as a Priest or Brother of Holy Cross, visit holycrossvocations.org.