Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent…December 17, 2023

by Carol Craven, Notre Dame Associate

Reading 1 Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11
Responsorial Psalm: Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54
Reading 2: First Thessalonians 5: 16-24
Gospel, John1:6-8, 19-28

Today’s readings are about being sent. John says, “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert “make straight the way of the Lord.”’

He lets us know that he baptizes with water, that there is one in the crowd whose sandal strap he is unworthy to untie.

We learn who will hear the glad tidings.
The poor-those in poverty financially, the depressed, the lonely, the anxious, the fearful.
The broken hearted-the grieving, the unloved, the betrayed
Proclaim liberty to the captives-those who are in danger from war, violence, famine, bullying,
Release to the prisoners-jailed, addictions: alcohol, drugs, sex, food, gambling, murder violence.

If we have heard the glad tidings, if we say ‘Yes’ to Baptism, then we are called to be with John and proclaim the good news in humility, in justice, in mercy, by our lives.