He Is Among Us
Third Sunday of Advent (B)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 1: 6-8, 19-28 - A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.
And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said:
“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,
‘make straight the way of the Lord,’”
as Isaiah the prophet said.”
Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“…there is one among you whom you do not recognize…”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
John the Baptist’s testimony about himself tells as much about what he isn’t as it does about what he is! He repeats, “I am not… I am not… no.” In a quick reading of the Gospel, we might miss the excitement and attention that surround John during his ministry. He was a big deal! Israel hadn’t had a widely recognized prophet for 400 years before John. When he comes, the Gospels say: “all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem” (Mark 1:5), the “multitudes” (Luke 3:7), were going out to him. They even say that “all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ” (Luke 3:15).
But the people’s expectations of the coming Christ are way too low, and John tells them so. Today, our expectations of the coming Christ are way too low, as well. The Church places John’s testimony in front of us to remind us of this. Advent is a great time to examine our hopes and intentions. Where do we place our excitement and attention during this season? Are we too focused on holiday parties, Christmas cards, relatives and friends, holiday baking, shopping, Christmas lists, and plans and plans and plans and plans and plans…? Yes, we are. Our expectations are way, way, way too low. Pay attention! Jesus is “among” us…and we are missing Him (every hour!), because we’re not looking in the right places. Where might we better find the real Christ today?
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above.(Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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