Advent 2 & 3 A, further insights

Advent 2 & 3 A

Some further insights.

The Gospel reading for the 2nd Sunday of Advent in the A cycle is colored by a variety of Apocalyptic images.

1) John the Baptist is presented as an Elijah figure. Matthew wants to portray John in the likeness of Elijah, with his ascetic clothing and diet (3:4;2 Kgs 1:8) Many expected that Elijah would return as precursor and messenger before the end time (Mal. 3:1; 4:5-6; Sir 48:10-11). Matthew makes this identification of John with Elijah even more explicit at 11:10,14; 17:11-13. (Barbara Reid,The Gospel According to Matthew, p. 22)

2) From the margins and contrary to the perceptions of the religious center, John sees the corrupt nature of the present and the inevitability of God’s wrath to come, which holds people accountable, and for which repentance is the only preparation. Interpreters usually assume that John sees a cataclysmic apocalyptic future scenario (supported by “in those days” in 3:1). (Warren Carter, Matthew and the Margins, p. 97)

3) This why the bracing wake-up call is necessary. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire” (3:11-12). This image moves us from stones to the common harvest imagery of Jewish and Christian apocalyptic thought. But be wary of equating Pharisees and Sadducees with chaff – they might have repented and borne good fruit. It’s our turn to prepare for the coming of the Messiah; and we ought not to presume. (John W. Martens, blog in “America” magazine).

The Gospel reading for the 3rd Sunday of Advent in the A cycle

Is John’s question strange after this testimony and John’s baptism of Jesus (3:14)? Somewhat. But there was no uniform, widespread messianic expectation . Jesus’ ministry has demonstrated power (3:11) in authoritative teaching (chs.5-7, 10) and miracles (chs. 8-9) and has offered salvation and promised judgment (10:32-33; 3:11-12). But no cosmic judgment has taken place. John seeks confirmation. His question underlines the means of recognizing Jesus’ identity. Warren Carter, Matthew and the Margins, p. 250)