Isaiah 41:13-20 / Matthew 11:11-15
The last of the Old Testament prophets appeared something like 400 years before John the Baptist.
During those 400 years, there were no prophets to lead the people of Israel as they met one crisis after another.
There were no prophets to tell them what God has in store for them as they faced turmoils, disasters and tragedies.
In John the Baptist, the people saw a great prophet. Not only was he a great prophet, he was the last of the prophets because he pointed out the Messiah to the people.
As the Messiah, the Word of God appeared in person, the attitude of the people was not necessarily one of welcome.
Because He was a sign of contradiction, and He pointed out to the people things that they did not want to see or accept.
Advent is a time to remember that God had fulfilled His promise of sending the Saviour.
It is also a time to remind ourselves that Jesus had promised that He will return.
Meanwhile we the Church has to continue our mission of being a sign of the kingdom of God in the world.
That would mean that we stand by the truth and be a sign of contradiction in the face of violence and aggression.
But the 1st reading assures us that God is holding us by the right hand and that He will help us overcome all difficulties.
And God tells us this: Do not be afraid. Let us listen to God's Word and have courage.