"Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ." These words are from the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Advent. We too are waiting during this season of Advent with patient anticipation. Many people are coming to John, listening to his words, observing his actions and asking for the baptism that John was giving. They want to do what is right so people are asking him: "What ought we to do?" And John tells them to act kindly, to act justly, to share with those who have less or lack even the necessities. In a sense John tells them to keep calm and lead a good life and that is the best way to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. We are told in today’s Gospel that the people were full of anticipation. Many began to think that St. John the Baptist was the Messiah. But, John knew who he was, he knew his place. And so he tells them: "I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." We have to admire St. John the Baptist for knowing where he stood in relation to Jesus. He knew he was not the Messiah and so he always tried to point out the Messiah to others. He was sent to prepare the way but not to be the Messiah. That of course is also our role during this Advent and always. First of all to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus at Christmas, but also to help others to come to Jesus this Christmas. We are asked to point him out to others and to show by our lives what Jesus means to us. May God help each of us to do this during Advent and always.
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