Unconditional Love

Homily for Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent

The Scriptures constantly remind us that we are the objects of God’s love. However, today’s reading from the prophet Isaiah is one of the strongest statements of that love in the entire Scriptures. Consequently, it is just a little unfortunate that this reading is only proclaimed when Advent stretches out to include a full four weeks. “My love shall NEVER leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the LORD, who has mercy on you.” (Emphasis added.) This is a message that we need to hear almost every day of our lives as we continue to struggle with our sense of worth, with our dignity as baptized children of God. God will never forget us. In another passage from Isaiah, we are told that our names are carved upon the hands of God. As a former teacher, I always find this image rather humorous as I remember all the times I found students who had written test answers on their hands. Obviously God learned that trick a long time ago.

For the second time this Advent we hear Jesus say that “among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.” This is yet another way of reminding us that God replaces any shame or guilt we may feel because of our sins with honor, honor that has been given to us because God loves us.

The lowest of the low – tax collectors, prostitutes, and other non-elite people who would have borne youthful shame – came to repentance through John and through the words of Jesus Christ. Jesus, who is the love of God personified, promised to never leave us. His death and resurrection, and the sending of the Holy Spirit, are the mercy of God come to save us and sanctify us. He has told us again and again . . . and again, that he welcomes the repentant sinner. That indeed is worth raising a loud cry and breaking into jubilant song.