Isaiah 54:1-10 / Luke 7:24-30
“When a wise man points at the moon the fool examines the finger.” (Confucius)
We might think that it is absurd that there are people who would just end up looking at the finger that is pointing to something else.
But the fact in life is that there are many who get so absorbed and stuck with the sign that they do not see or understand what it is pointing to and to the reality that it is pointing to.
In the gospel, Jesus asked questions like "What do you go out into the wilderness to see?"; "Then what do you go out to see?"
Yes, the people went there to see the prophet John the Baptist. And Jesus tells them that more than just another prophet, John the Baptist is the messenger who was to prepare the way for the Saviour.
And for those who saw and heard him, people like the tax collectors, acknowledged God's plan. But the Pharisees and others thwarted what God had in mind for them.
The season of Advent is filled with signs and symbols, like the Advent wreath with the lighted candles, the purple vestments, the Christmas decorations and lights, etc.
All this point to something that is approaching, a reality that we are waiting for, and preparing the way for us.
When we can see that the signs are pointing to the reality, then the way is prepared for Jesus to enter into our hearts.