Expectations vs Reality

December 11, Third Sunday of Advent
Daily Readings: Is 35:1-6a, 10, Jas 5:7-10, Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10, Mt 11:2-11

In the Gospel today, Jesus spoke to the crowd about his cousin John. He seemed to be asking them what they thought about him.

Most of the time, we try to be what society thinks how we should dress, act, feel, think or speak. There are expectations. This is the reason why we are so much concerned with others think of us rather than what God would think of us.

During family reunions, one can’t help but feel insecure when we are compared to our siblings or cousins, most especially when they have big houses or well-paying jobs or have graduated with with the highest honors. Everyone expects someone to be a “big shot” at something.

But John, even if he was Jesus’s cousin did not come to the world dressed to the nines. He wore clothes made of camel's hair. He ate locusts and wild honey. He was sent to the world to tell the world that the Savior is coming and that people should prepare for His coming. He had the biggest mission of all and yet he lived a simple and holy life while fulfilling it.

We have heard stories of influencers “living the life” on social media, and we envy these people and some even emulate what they do. But once they are offline, the reality is: they live lives that are the exact opposite of what their followers think.

Our friends or even society might have certain expectations of us, but one thing is clear: with God, we are expected to live holy lives.  The reality is: Living holy lives will prepare a way for us to the kingdom of heaven. This is what God wants to see in us.

But what if we fail in our attempts to be good or when insecurity creeps in?

“Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense
he comes to save you. (Is 35:4)”