New Beginnings

A Reflection on the Gospel for December 13th, 2020:
Third Sunday of Advent

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John
1.6-8, 19-28

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”

Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the Prophet Isaiah said.

Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
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Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

It has been said that Covid19 has been a catalyst for change. We have been forced to pivot and rethink our ways of doing things very rapidly. I personally have also experienced it as a powerful augmentor. Crisis mode has highlighted not only our human capacity for great good — it has also placed our weaknesses on display.

Over the last number of months, this became noticeable in my own life. Until Covid 19, loosely speaking, I was able to bear my load. The arrival of Covid 19 began to reveal cracks — holes in the wholeness of my person and soul. These remained hidden until placed under greater stress. Inevitably, I realized a dearth of grace for myself, people, and things in my life. And so, during one particularly difficult and humbling confession, I was surprised when my confessor looked at me and said, “You know, I find this all so encouraging. It is proof to me that God works, and is still working, in your life and the lives of His people.”

Sometimes when we find ourselves in darkness, we need someone to help us see light. Yet the Light of Christ exposes that which was hidden in darkness (Ephesians 5:13). This exposure can be startling and unexpected! If you find yourself or someone you love in this place, take heart! It is from within the darkness that the Church proclaims new beginnings; a new year; the advent and coming of Christ, the dawning of Light in the world. With His forthcoming arrival, the Lord illuminating your life is a gift! It is an opportunity to see what is, and to heal and grow. In the spirit of Advent, such healing and growth can be an important step in straightening pathways for Jesus to enter our hearts.

Today’s gospel reveals the character of a man who grasped every opportunity “for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him.” John’s whole life was oriented to proclaiming the Lord’s coming, even from the womb of Elizabeth. During the visitation, he leapt inside her as Elizabeth declared Christ’s presence growing and dawning from within Mary. 

As 2020 draws to an end, we continue to find ourselves in isolation and darkness. With everything that has happened this year, I can’t help but wonder if following John’s example means helping each other see the Light of Christ breaking forth from within, especially when we cannot see it ourselves.

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​Michelynne Gomez
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