by: Deacon Paul Rooney (deaconpaul@cox.net)
Second Sunday of Advent
(Cycle “A" – December 5, 2004)

Q. 296: Is John the Baptizer wrong in going after the Pharisees and Sadducees, who come to him for his “baptism of repentance”? Aren’t they seeking what he is offering?(Mt 3:1-12)

A. 296: John the Baptist is one of my favorite biblical characters, because he does not “water down” the challenge of God’s word, but “says it like it is.” He has received an insight into the insincerity of the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were great on external rituals (including things like John’s water baptism) but devoid of internal contrition. It gives us cause to pause, a time to meditate on our own internal “heart condition.”

The image of the “axe” is especially powerful. We all know what axes do: topple trees of all sizes, usually tall and mature trees. Those tall trees are symbols of “pride” in the eyes of the prophets, and as they say, pride goeth before the fall…

John is not limited to pious anger, but is also full of hope -- just like Isaiah in the First Reading (Is 11:1-10). When the axe is used, the tree is destroyed. But out of that destruction can come new life, as the remaining and humbled “stump” or remnant can now develop into the true covenant relationship that the Lord seeks. Once we cleanse ourselves of our pride by repentance, confession and absolution, our hearts can be focused on and filled with the One who longs to be the center of our lives. John prepares the way by pointing to the “fruit of the Jesse tree,” the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Know Your Catechism! Are we so proud that we cannot bear to hear the Truth that our church Magisterium teaches us, as it fulfills its mandate from Jesus Christ? If so, then we need to repent of our pride, the parent of all sins (CCC #398). There is no sin that cannot be forgiven if one repents – a gift that we have received through the blood of Christ (CCC #1442). Make this Advent a season of “tree-felling” and new growth.

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha