In the liturgical context of Feria II within the second week of Advent, the Church presents us with two profound readings: Romans 15:4-13 and Matthew 11:2-10. These texts invite reflection on the themes of hope, endurance, and the heralding of God’s kingdom—a fitting meditation as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Hope and Unity in Romans 15:4-13
In Romans 15, St. Paul reminds us of the power of Scripture to inspire perseverance and hope:
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope” (Rom 15:4).
St. John Chrysostom, in his Homilies on Romans, highlights the pedagogical nature of Scripture, teaching us not only doctrine but the virtues necessary for Christian life. He writes, “Scripture offers not merely instruction, but consolation, a treasure-house of hope to strengthen the faint-hearted.”
Paul emphasizes that the unity of believers—both Jew and Gentile—is central to this hope, achieved through the mercy of Christ. St. Augustine reflects on this unity in his City of God, noting that the gathering of the nations is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. Augustine remarks, “In Christ, we find the great reconciliation, wherein the division of humanity is healed, and all are called to glorify God with one voice.”
The Witness of John the Baptist in Matthew 11:2-10
In Matthew 11, we see John the Baptist in prison, sending his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Matt 11:3). Christ’s response is not a direct affirmation but a demonstration of the works foretold by the prophets:
“The blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them” (Matt 11:5).
Origen, in his Commentary on Matthew, sees this as a profound teaching moment. John’s question is not born of doubt but intended to direct his disciples to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Origen writes, “John points his disciples to Christ, the Light of the world, so they may no longer rely on his testimony but on the testimony of the works themselves.”
The Gospel also highlights John’s identity as the “voice in the wilderness” (cf. Isa 40:3), a theme that St. Gregory the Great develops in his Homilies on the Gospels. Gregory sees John as the model of humility and fidelity, declaring, “He who prepares the way of the Lord must himself diminish, so that the Lord may increase in all things.”
Advent Lessons: Endurance and Expectation
In this Advent season, both readings call us to cultivate endurance and joyful expectation. Paul urges us to remain steadfast in hope, grounded in the promises of God. John the Baptist’s role reminds us to look beyond ourselves and to witness boldly to the truth of Christ’s coming.
As we journey through this season of preparation, let us heed the words of St. Ambrose, who encourages us to embrace the Advent spirit: “Let the Word of God lead us into the wilderness, where we may hear His voice clearly, free from the distractions of the world.”
May we, like John, point others to Christ and, like Paul, live in unity and hope, awaiting the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (cf. Phil 2:10-11).
Questions for Reflection:
- How can we use Scripture to grow in endurance and hope this Advent season?
- In what ways can we follow John the Baptist’s example as heralds of Christ’s coming?
Let us join in the prayerful longing of the Church Fathers as we anticipate the joy of Christ’s Nativity: “Come, Lord Jesus, and tarry not!”