Vigils Reading – 3rd Sunday Advent

THE ONE WHO IS TO COME

From a commentary by Thomas of Villanova

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The gospel narrative tells of a question which John the Baptist, who was

in prison, put to the Lord through his disciples. Are you the one who is to come,

or are we to look for someone else? John himself was in no doubt about the

matter. Even from his mother’s womb he had recognized Jesus, and at the

Jordan he had borne his testimony; but he sent this embassy for two reasons.

In the first place, John wished to instruct his disciples. He knew that his

own death was imminent and, like the good leader and teacher he was, he made

provision for his disciples, to ensure that they would have a teacher and

protector. He wanted to see them safe under Christ’s wing and in his care.

John’s second and paramount motive, however, was to draw attention to

Christ. He knew that he had been sent to bear witness to Christ, and although he

had given his testimony at the Jordan, few had accepted it. Knowing now that

his death was near he devised a profitable and very prudent plan: he would put

this question to Jesus publicly and thus bring him into the limelight, so that in

replying to the question Jesus would at the same time bear witness about

himself, and thereby reveal himself to the people. John knew that the Lord’s

reply was bound to be very fruitful, and events proved him right.

The disciples approached Jesus, and in front of the crowd put to him the

same question which the Jews had put to John. Everyone eagerly awaited his

reply, for there had already been a rumor among the people that he might

indeed be the Messiah. The Lord gave no immediate answer, but delayed a little,

and in their presence worked wonderful, mighty miracles. Then he invited

them, Go and report to John what you have heard. The blind are receiving

their sight, the lame are walking, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead

rise again, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.

He did not give an answer to them in so many words, but pointed to his

deeds, as much as to say, “The works that I am doing are my witness. These are

the works I am performing; judge for yourself whether I am the Messiah.” This

was an admirable reply, for he not only claimed by means of his works that he

was the Messiah; he also proved it.

Isaiah had uttered three prophecies about the Christ. The first was this:

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unsealed,

and the lame man will leap like a stag. The second was, The Spirit of the Lord is

upon me… he has sent me to announce good tidings to the poor. The third

declared, He shall be a stone for stumbling over, and a rock of scandal as well,

for both houses of Israel. The Lord fulfilled these prophecies before their eyes,

and implicitly quoted them in his reply: the first, by saying, The blind are

receiving their sight, the lame are walking … the deaf hear; the second in his

claim that the good news is proclaimed to the poor; and the third by saying,

Blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.