Homily: Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent - Samson and John the Baptist

As we draw ever nearer to the great feast of Christmas, our scripture reading urge us to reflect today on two very important people from Salvation History: Samson from our first reading and John the Baptist in our Gospel. And these two men, these servants of the Lord have a lot in common.

In both readings today, their parents were very old when an angel appeared to them to announce their births.  Elizabeth was 88 years old when Gabriel appeared to her husband to announce the birth of John.

In the readings we heard how both Samson and John were to be especially consecrated to the Lord, they were both to avoid wine and strong drink.  The Spirit of the Lord would be present to both of the boys. 

Both boys would have a role in delivering and saving Israel from their enemies.  Samson was chosen by God among the people to deliver Israel from the evil Philistines, to show and remind Israel that God had not abandon them so they should not abandon God by falling in to sin.  With his life, Samson showed the people that God drew near to save them.

Similarly John the Baptist was chosen to show and remind Israel that God had not abandoned them, that God drew close to save them not just from earthly enemies, but our most ancient enemies, sin and death.  John announced to the people to get ready for the coming of the Messiah by repenting.  The best way to make our hearts ready for the Messiah is by turning away from our sins.

Both Samson and John the Baptist heralded an ear of peace.  Samson heralded the establishment of the Kingdom of David who would bring unity to Israel and the building of the beautiful Temple in which God would be honored and worshiped by his people.  And John heralded the coming of the True King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who is the source of peace for the whole human race and whose Church would be the Temple in which all people could gather to give honor and worship to God until he comes again.

During these final days of Advent, we focus on this chosen men, to remind us that each one of us has been chosen by God for a special purpose: to proclaim with our lives that God is near, that salvation and peace are found in Jesus Christ.  People need to see us coming to Church to give God worship and honor for the good things he has done for us and continues to do in our midst. 

Both Samson and John called people to turn away from sin and be faithful to God’s laws, and we too prepare our hearts well in order to truly welcome Christ when he comes more deeply into our lives for the glory of God and salvation of souls.