Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
(Malachi 3:1-4.23-24; Luke 1:57-66)
As the Advent season ends, the Church insists that the
faithful continue to reflect on John the Baptist. Today’s first reading tells of a “messenger”
who is identified with Elijah, the prophet.
As Elijah slayed 450 prophets of the god Baal, the “new Elijah” will
spur the people to forsake evil ways. Once
reformed, they will accept the coming Lord of hosts with peace and joy.
The gospel hints that the newborn son of Zachariah and
Elizabeth is the “new Elijah”. His name,
John, means “God is gracious”; that is, God shows Himself gracious in two
ways. First, he has given the barren
couple a child. Second, He will endow
that child with fiery conviction to turn minds and hearts to Himself.
The reform begun with John’s preaching in the desert will
end with Jesus’ preaching in Jerusalem. The
latter’s message, however, will be significantly different from the former’s. Where John scared the unrepentant with fire
and brimstone, Jesus promised blessing to those who repent. It’s the familiar “stick or carrot” option. Like the “good thief” with Jesus on Calvary,
we want to recognize our sins and ask Jesus for mercy.
