Reflection for December 15 Thursday of the Third Week in Advent: Luke 7:24-30

Gospel: Luke 7:24-30

When the messengers of John the Baptist had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. “What did you go out to the desert to see a reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces. 

Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom Scripture says: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you. I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.”  

All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God; but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.

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Reflection:

Why is Jesus speaking about John in the gospel for today? Because John fulfilled his mission as the precursor of the Lord with utmost humility. John never had any fantasy of upstaging Jesus, so John lived simply and humbly as what is expected of anyone who follow the Lord. 

We ask ourselves this question, “Am I also living a life of simplicity and humility.” Every follower of the Lord is required to live simply and humbly these are the requirements simplicity and humility. Why? For the simple reason that Jesus is the role model of living a life of simplicity and humility. Hence, as followers of the Lord it is incumbent upon us to live his life also. Because it is only thru living the life of the Lord that we can become his true and faithful followers. 

Jesus mentions also that the least in the kingdom is greater than John. Who are these people that Jesus mentions as the least in the kingdom that is greater than John? It’s us, everyone of us who are striving very hard to follow in the footsteps of John and Jesus. Why? Because sinners as we are we have been redeemed by the Lord through His sacrificial and salvific death on the cross. 

Do you live your life according to the footsteps of John and Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas