Third Sunday of Advent
The Gospel this Sunday has John the Baptist imprisoned and alone in the sure knowledge that a violent death awaited him. What hope could there be for him, had his preaching and life’s witness been in vain? Even John, the great prophet, in fact Jesus declared him to be the greatest of all prophets, needed assurance that his words and example had purpose and meaning. He sent a message to Jesus and the response he received was an echo of the words of Isaiah ‘the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life and the good news is proclaimed to the poor’. This would not just have lifted his spirits but the fact that the promised word of God was being fulfilled in Jesus meant that the good he had done and his words and actions had helped others and prepared a way for the Lord. His life had witnessed the dawn of Christs coming and the signs were there that Gods promises of the past were now being fulfilled.
The example of John the Baptists life helps us to see that we should trust in God’s word even in our darkest moments – as he did with John, the Lord stands with us offering reassurance and hope. ‘Happy are those who do not lose faith’. But also we are called to work for that kingdom that Christ showed forth namely to encourage one another, to ease peoples burdens and to make him known in the situations of our lives. Maranatha, come Lord Jesus, come.
At the early mass last Wednesday the reading from Isaiah spoke of the vision of the lion lying down with the lamb, the wolf and the bear walking together, they would do no hurt on God’s holy mountain. On the same day at the childrens nativity services we had a very calm real donkey taking part who loved being with children and a little shepherd dog, Kissy, who has been in the play for the last ten years and is as calm and quiet as a mouse. However in the afternoon in the final scenes when all gathered around the crib, what should have been a peaceful scene turned into chaos. The little dog expressed its dislike of Fiona the donkey by uncharacteristically barking rather angrily. The Donkey responded in its turn by drowning the dog out and then restlessly stomping on the floor. Children loved it and thankfully the panic in the actors faces turned to relief as eventually the donkey was led away to restore calm. Almost three thousand school children attended the Advent services that day – I extend my thanks to Claire the producer and all who took part. For next year best to keep donkey and dog well apart – the vision of Isaiah is still to be realised!
This Sunday afternoon our childrens choirs will perform Benjamin Brittens ‘A ceremony of Carols’ at 3pm followed by Saint Saens ‘Oratorio De Noel’ sung by the adults of the choir and soloists. On the final Sunday of Advent we have our own Cathedral ‘Festival Carol Service’ at 5pm involving all our choirs and musicians come along and join us with family and friends to listen to and sing all our favourite Christmas carols and readings.
We could all take heed of the music directors advice to the choir children for the busy two weeks leading up to Christmas. Drink water, get a good nights sleep, avoid shouting, don’t over -sing especially in rehearsals!
Monsignor Anthony O’Brien
Cathedral Dean
