Please read this passage before reading the homily.
Today we meet John the Baptist. With words from the prophet Isaiah, John begins his mission to the people of Israel. Isaiah’s words announced the end of the Exile; the people could return home. The words of John announce the end of our enmity with God: God is offering peace. In the desert of our repentance, the glory of God will be manifested in us.
Because of his dress we can recognize the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah was the prophet of the coming of the Lord. The words of the prophet and the garment of camel skin and leather belt intrigue us, and we can ask, ”What is the mystery of the voice and this person? What do these signs mean to us?” Isaiah has come once again, announcing our need to repent.
For us the message is good. The time for hating God has passed away; God in his love has spoken to us through the prophet and through his Son. We are children of Abraham, and the kingdom of God is ours.
Many of you have crossed physical deserts to come here. Many of you know the dangers of the desert. Many, in crossing the desert, have known the absence of God and the help of God in the desert. Let us return to the desert this Advent to listen to the voice of the prophet now and to prepare once again for the coming of the Lord into our world and life.
Today and for the coming year, we shall proclaim the Gospel according to Matthew. Matthew explains the meaning of Jesus through other books of the Bible; the history of Israel is the history of Jesus. God is with us as God was with Isaiah and John the Baptist at the River Jordan.