By Father Paul Nord, O.S.B.
Sunday Scripture
First Reading: Baruch 5:1-9; Response: Psalm 126:1-6; Second Reading: Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
Baruch was the prophet Jeremiah’s secretary and assistant. Jeremiah’s prophecy often describes this. For example, when God gave Jeremiah a message for King Jehoiakim, Jeremiah instructed Baruch to write on a scroll the words which the Lord God had spoken to him. Then Jeremiah sent Baruch to Jerusalem to read this divine message to the king (Jeremiah 36).
The Book of Baruch states (Baruch 1:1-3) that its author is this Baruch, assistant to Jeremiah. But most commentators do not believe this claim of authorship. As evidence, such commentators point to content within Baruch which they believe reflects a much later time period — 265 B.C. or later. Conversely, Baruch assisted Jeremiah in the years preceding 570 B.C., when Jeremiah died.
Today’s text (Baruch 5) consoles those who weep over the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Using “clothing” imagery, these verses exhort the people not to mourn, but instead to rejoice in God’s glory and justice. In verse 3, Jerusalem is told: “God will show all the earth your splendor.” In verse 4, Jerusalem is given names of honor: “the peace of justice” and “the glory of God’s worship.” These names foretell that Jerusalem will be a place of peace, justice and worship of God.
Verse 5 says that Jerusalem’s people (“children”) will be “gathered from the east and the west.” This is an image of restoration because the people were scattered when Jerusalem was destroyed. They had been “led away on foot by their enemies.” But now, “God will bring them back to you” (v. 6) — to Jerusalem.
Verse 7 echoes the well-known imagery of Isaiah 40:4-5: “Every valley shall be lifted up, every mountain and hill made low … Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed.” Here in Baruch 5:7, the order is reversed — the mountains are made low, and the gorges are “filled (up) to level ground.” This enables Israel to “advance secure in the glory of God.” Even the trees of the forest “overshadowed Israel at God’s command.” This image communicates God’s protection of Israel. Finally, verse 9 says: “God is leading Israel in joy.” The people of Jerusalem can rejoice without fear — God will restore them to their city in joy.
In the letter to the Philippians, Paul’s message begins: “Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi” (1:1). Today’s reading is part of the “thanksgiving” section (1:3-11) that immediately follows. Paul thanks God for the Philippians. He prays for them “always with joy.”
Paul is thankful for the “partnership for the gospel” that he shared with the Philippians. Here Paul uses the word “koinonia.” This is a partnership with a shared common life and trusting cooperation. Paul uses the word “koinonia” frequently in his letters. It describes the common life that believers in Christ should share with one another — and with Christ himself. For example, when St. Paul teaches the Corinthians about the Eucharist (1 Corinthians 10:16-17), he tells them: “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a koinonia in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a koinonia in the body of Christ?”
In his missionary travels, Paul established several Christian communities throughout the eastern Mediterranean. Of these, the Philippians were among the most faithful in their living of the Gospel of Christ Jesus. For example, the Philippians generously provided for Paul’s material needs during his travels (see Philippians 4:10-23). By their generosity, the Philippians helped make possible Paul’s travels to proclaim the Gospel. Paul considered their generosity to be part of an intimate partnership (koinonia) in which he and they shared a common life in Christ Jesus.
Paul expresses his affection for the Philippians in today’s reading. Paul is confident that God will complete in them his good work — salvation in Christ Jesus. Paul describes his prayer for the Philippians: “that your love may increase ever more and more … so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” By living in righteousness and love of Christ, the Philippians give glory and praise to God. As Paul proclaimed Christ’s Gospel, the faithful witness of the Philippians inspired many others to believe in Christ Jesus. So Paul begins his letter to the Philippians by expressing his thanksgiving for their witness and partnership.
Luke’s Gospel is elegantly written. In today’s gospel, Luke elegantly introduces John the Baptist by telling us exactly when these events happened: “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea … during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas.” This formal introduction is similar to how Roman historians of that time introduced their works. In this way, Luke is emphasizing the importance of Jesus Christ, and of the events described in Luke’s Gospel. Thus Luke dramatically introduces John the Baptist, who prepares the way for Jesus Christ. This is an important event — situated in its exact historical context.
Luke states the important event: “The word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.” When Old Testament prophets received a message from God for the people, they introduced their message with similar words. Luke is emphasizing that John the Baptist is a prophet acting on behalf of God. John prepares the way for Jesus. In his public ministry, Jesus proclaims the Gospel and shows God is acting to redeem the world.
John the Baptist was “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” John taught that God would soon redeem his people. By repenting and being cleansed of their sins, the people would be prepared for God’s redemption. John emphasizes the urgency of his message by quoting Isaiah 40:3-5. This imagery emphasizes that every obstacle to the coming of the Lord must be removed — every valley filled, and every mountain made low. During this Advent season, may we remove any obstacle to Christ’s entry into our hearts — so that we may have true “koinonia” with him.