Bible
Study: Isaiah 56, 1 to 8 and John 5, 33 to 36.
Not only
was last Sunday’s readings centred on the personality of John the Baptist,
virtually all our readings since then have somehow made mention of this great
man who stands tall as the Advent Figure for all times. Not only did John the
Baptist prepare the hearts of the people of his time for Jesus, he continues to
prepare our hearts today for the coming of the baby Jesus at Christmas.
When the
Jews who refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah confronted him, he reminded
them of how they sent messengers to John the Baptist and how John the Baptist testified
to the truth that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. He then went further to
describe John the Baptist as a burning and shining lamp. As a lamp, John the
Baptist brought many of these Jews from the darkness of ignorance to the light
of faith so much so that many of them went to him for baptism and some even saw
him as the Messiah to come.
Jesus’
description of John the Baptist as a burning and shining lamp is a pointer to
what he said on the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, 14 to 16. “You are the
light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp
and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the
house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” We all are called to be like
John the Baptist this advent. Our lives should become lights pointing the whole
world towards the child Jesus.
However,
in as much as Jesus reminded them of the testimony of John the Baptist as proof
for his authenticity, he laid particular emphasis on his works. “But I have a
testimony greater than John’s – the works that the Father has given me to complete.
The very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent
me.”
In essence,
Jesus was saying, “Do not base your faith only on the words spoken by John the
Baptist, let the works I have done inspire you to believe.” Words are easy to
use but works are not so easy. Talk is cheap but how easy is it for me to carry
out good works? In the final analysis, it is my works and not my words that
matter. No wonder Jesus would say in Matthew 7, 16 to 19, “You will know them
by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So,
every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound
tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree
that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Does my works
(that is, my fruits) contradict the words others use in describing me? What kind
of testimony do my actions proclaim?
Let us
Pray: Lord Jesus, may my works exult your name. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you.
Fr. Abu.
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