Advent Reflection

The language of the Church is a code. To capture the impact of its message, one must learn how that message is encoded in the various symbols and rhythms of the Church's life. Today, the third Sunday of Advent, we are presented with two encoded messages.

The first is the rare color used at all the liturgies. The rose colored vestment is worn only today and at one other Sunday during the year, in Lent. Both Sundays occur during the penitential seasons of the Church.  In Advent we prepare for Christmas; in Lent we prepare for Easter. Our preparations consist in various practices of penance, and hence those seasons are penitential. After the half-way point has been passed, out comes the rose garment. It symbolizes the eager anticipation and hope for the upcoming feast. It is a reprieve from the penances, if you will, and a reminder therein that the glories of the feast are worth the trials of the penitential time.

The second element of code comes in today's Gospel passage from St. John. In it, the other saint John, John the Baptist, preaches repentance to the people near Jerusalem. When questioned on his identity and mission, he explains his role by reference to the one coming after him. Then comes the odd line. He says that he is not worthy to untie the sandal strap of the one who is to come. What does he mean by that? Is it simply that he is unworthy to do even a simple, menial task for Jesus, God made man?

The reference to the sandal strap, in fact, conceals a deeper point about who Jesus is. In Jewish custom, important contracts could be ratified by the handing over of a sandal. Whereas we notarize a document, or shake hands to signify a contractual agreement, the Israelites used the sandal. So, when John the Baptist insists upon his unworthiness to loosen the strap of Jesus' sandals, he's signaling his inability to interfere or usurp the role of Jesus in God the Father's plan. Jesus is the Messiah, and John does not dare to loosen the strap of that arrangement!

May we humbly await the coming of our great Savior, before whose coming even the great John the Baptist, "the greatest of those born of women" declared that Jesus "must increase, and I must decrease."

A blessed Advent to you all!

Fr. Matthew Rensch