John 1, 6-8. 19-28
Sunday, 17th December 2023 (3 Advent B)
John the Baptist answered those who asked him, “I baptise with water; among you there is one whom you do not know, the one who comes after me, who existed before me and whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie”.
I have learned, especially in the sacrament of reconciliation, that many believers experience their faith as oppressive, that at certain times they feel burdened by external and restrictive rules, that they feel obliged to comply, burdened and lacking in freedom. It is possible that they have not understood the essence of Christianity.
The one who is a subject of faith knows and feels that, despite the many evils of our world, there is reason for hope. We have a promise of salvation (gospel = good news), which will come true and which should fill us with joy.
“Always rejoice”, St. Paul tells us. “My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour”, Mary proclaims. “In your midst is one you do not know”, John the Baptist testifies. This is the reason for joy.
If happiness is an inner state; if everything is the colour of the glass through which one looks at it, the Christian must live their faith and commitment convinced of God’s presence and love, and sharing that love with others.
Living cannot be “putting up with”. Believing is more than “fulfilling”, it is “celebrating”. Only in this way can we be witnesses to the Light. A sad Christian is a miserable Christian.
Juan Ramón Gómez Pascual
Do you feel joyful?
