Homilies about advent

The Expectation and New Life of St. John the Baptist

Fr. Joseph Mick

The homily reflects on the expectation and new life brought by St. John the Baptist, paralleling his birth to older parents with the joy of new life. It emphasizes John's role in preparing for the Messiah and how this expectation of the Lord's coming is fulfilled daily in the Eucharist, even in ways we don't always recognize.

The Wild and Transformative Message of John the Baptist

The homily emphasizes the profound significance of John the Baptist, not merely as a prophet, but as the crucial precursor to Jesus, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. It challenges listeners to view John not as a 'tamed ancient figure,' but as a wild and transformative voice calling for repentance and preparation for Christ's three comings: past, present, and future.

St. John the Baptist and Our Call to Proclaim Christ in a Darkening World

The homily connects the Nativity of John the Baptist to the changing seasons, explaining how John's feast on the summer solstice (when days begin to shorten) symbolizes his role in decreasing so Christ may increase. It emphasizes John's vocation to proclaim the Lord's way amidst a darkening world, a task shared by believers today.

The Humble Herald: John the Baptist and the Coming of Christ

This homily focuses on the extraordinary birth and role of John the Baptist as the herald of Christ. It highlights the unusual circumstances of his birth to elderly parents and Zechariah's muteness, emphasizing John's humility in preparing the way for Jesus. The homily also draws a parallel between the waning daylight after the summer solstice and John's decreasing prominence as Christ's importance grows, as noted by St. Augustine.