HIS VOICE, HIS HAND

2nd Sunday of Advent
Mk 1:1-8

God was silent after the death of the last of the writing prophets. The Jews took that silence to mean that the spirit of prophecy had been quenched and only by the echo of His voice could God be heard. John the Baptist’s voice broke that silence.

John the Baptist was the voice of God but he was not God’s word. Jesus was the Word spoken while John the Baptist was the voice that spoke. Just as the voice finds fulfillment in having a word to announce so was John the Baptist at the service of Jesus Christ, the Eternal and Redeeming Word of the Father.

John the Baptist was the most privileged of all the prophets. He did not only speak about the Messiah; he pointed to the Messiah as he said, “Behold the Lamb of God.” While all the prophets before him prophesized about the coming of Jesus, John the Baptist announced that Jesus was already in their midst. John the Baptist was not only the voice of the Word; he was also the hand that showed the way to the Lord.

Today, we hear this voice and see this hand. This voice proclaims the imminent arrival of the Lord. This hand leads people to repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it was on the first time this voice was heard and this hand was seen, the message and the invitation are for each of us. Let us heed this voice and be always aware that Jesus is already in our midst. Let us see this hand and travel the road unto conversion of life.

But we are not only to heed this voice and see the hand of John the Baptist, we are to be like John the Baptist, too. By our shining witnessing to the presence of Jesus everywhere, let us be the voice that testifies that Jesus is indeed Emmanuel, “God-with-us”. By our sincere concern, let us be the hand that shows the way to Jesus to those who thirst for His loving forgiveness.

Advent is a season of profound silence so that we may hear the voice of God that speaks deep within us. We hear and so we speak. Advent is a season of vigilance so that we may recognize the hand of God in our midst. We are vigilant and so we see. The best gift we can give to Jesus on His birthday is becoming like John the Baptist to others. Let us be the voice and hand of the Word in the world. By our Christian witnessing, we break the silence of Advent. By our Christian love, we extend the hand of God. Let God speak. Let God touch. He is here!