HOMILY FOR THE WEDNESDAY OF THE 3RD WEEKNOF ADVENT

Homily for Wednesday of the 3rd week of Advent 

Isaiah 45:6-8, 18:21-25; Luke 7:19-23

Isaiah in the first reading of today declared: "Shower, Oh heavens,  from above, and let the skies rain down in righteousness; let the earth open, that the salvation may spring up and let it cause righteousness to sprout up also" (Isa 45:8).

The rain had always been seen as a great blessing; it washes away all first; it brings coolness and refreshes; it helps trees to grow and produce fruits.  The benefits of rain to the earth are enormous. 

Brothers and sisters in Christ, the prayer of Isaiah using the image of the rain spells out the spiritual benefits the inhabitants of the earth shall amass if the showers of God's blessings and graces are poured from the heavens above. 

Hence, let us pray that our prayers in this season of Advent may be heard and that God may pour down the rain of peace, joy,  love, and goodwill upon our world and families. As God blesses the world, may he also bless us with the gift of his son our Lord Jesus Christ as we await the celebration of his nativity on Christmas Day. 

In the Gospel reading of today, John sent his disciples to enquire from Jesus: "Are you the one who is to come,  or are we to wait for another?" (Lk 7:20). In this situation, Jesus did not offer mere words but rather demonstrated his deeds. Jesus,  produced his credentials in response. His credentials were his deeds. He answered them: "Go tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have goodnews brought to them" (Lk 7:22).

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, what are the credentials that you can show to the people? The word of God tells us: "We shall knwo the tree by its fruits (Mt 7:16-20). Let us incessantly bear witness to the Gospel values by our deeds. 

May God bless his words in our hearts both now and forever.  Amen 

Fr. Remi Osj