Rev. Fr. Stevenson Olowolagba Delivers Powerful Message on John the Baptist at Third Sunday of Advent
The faithful were urged to embrace patience, endurance, and spiritual readiness as Rev. Fr. Stevenson Olowolagba delivered a profound homily during the Third Sunday of the Advent Season (Year A), centred on the theme: “God chose a single man to run ahead and herald the coming of the Messiah.”
The homily drew inspiration from the liturgical readings of the day — Isaiah 35:1–6,10, James 5:7–10, and Matthew 11:2–11 — offering deep reflections on hope, perseverance, and the prophetic mission of John the Baptist.
A Promise of Renewal and Joy
Preaching from the prophecy of Isaiah, Rev. Fr. Olowolagba highlighted the message of restoration and new beginnings for God’s people. He explained that the passage speaks not only of the end of suffering but also of the joyful rebirth of the redeemed — a new life in the Spirit marked by hope and divine consolation.
According to him, the joy promised by God is not superficial but deeply rooted in spiritual renewal, reminding believers that Advent is a season of expectation, healing, and inner transformation.
Patience and Endurance in the Christian Journey
Reflecting on the letter of St. James, the priest emphasised patience as a central virtue for overcoming life’s temptations and trials. He noted that victory over challenges does not come instantly but requires perseverance and proper response to circumstances.
Drawing an analogy from Scripture, Rev. Fr. Olowolagba likened believers to farmers who labour diligently and wait patiently for the harvest. Just as the farmer’s eyes are fixed on the reward of the harvest, Christians, he said, must remain steadfast and focused on the return of the Lord, standing firm in faith as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 15:58.
He cautioned believers against complaining, murmuring, or judging one another during difficult times, reminding them that many prophets endured suffering through patience and unwavering faith, citing the example of the apostles in Acts 5:41.
John the Baptist: The Herald of the Messiah
Turning to the Gospel reading, Rev. Fr. Olowolagba examined the moment of doubt experienced by John the Baptist while in prison. Though John had boldly proclaimed the coming of the Messiah who would baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire, he became perplexed upon hearing only of Christ’s works of mercy and not the expected messianic judgement.
This, he explained, prompted John to send messengers to Jesus for clarification. Christ’s response, however, was unmistakable. Through His words, miracles, and compassionate ministry, Jesus revealed Himself as the true Messiah. His works aligned perfectly with the messianic signs foretold by the prophets, serving as God’s seal of approval, as affirmed in John 5:36.
Rev. Fr. Olowolagba stressed that Jesus did not condemn John’s question but instead publicly affirmed and praised him, reminding the people that John was no “wavering reed” but a man of firm conviction — the promised Elijah and the forerunner of the true King.
A Call to Readiness
Concluding his homily, Rev. Fr. Olowolagba reminded the congregation that the most important assignment for every believer is constant readiness for the coming of the Lord. He encouraged Christians to live lives of patience, faithfulness, and hope as they journey through Advent.
As the new week unfolds, he prayed for God’s abundant blessings upon all, ending with a message of peace and reassurance in Christ.
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3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT SEASON YEAR A
Readings: 1st Isaiah 35:1-6,10 2nd James 5:7-10 Gospel Math 11:2-11
Theme: God chose a single man to run ahead and he raid the coming of the Messiah.
Reflection: Peace of the Lord be with you all, beloved brethren in Christ Jesus. Through the prophecy of Isaiah, this passage speaks of the end of the nations resulting in a new beginning of God’s people. A new beginning. This is the joy of the redeemed : A new life in the spirit. On the part of Apostle James ; if we victory over the temptations and trails in life , then we must combat them step by step. In particular, there are two steps we must take , namely being patient and taking each circumstances and respond properly. We must be patient , in conquering the temptations and trails of life: how can we overcome the challenges confronting on daily basis, is by being patient and develop the sense of endurance. Imagine the patient of a farmer, we may ask this question, why does a farmer labour diligently, endure so patiently? Because, his eyes are fixed upon the great day of harvest. So also with us as believers. When the Lord return, each person will be judged and rewarded accordingly. We must stand firm and be focus upon the return of the Lord ( 1 Cor. 15:58). Believers must not complain, murmur, and judge other believers or blame them on account of what we are passing through. James used the temptations, trails of the prophet we conquered through being patient through perseverance, and held onto their faith in God (Acts 5:41) . John the Baptist had catechized the people that the Messiah on this point will baptised the people with spirit and fire. He is in prison now, he had heard that Jesus was doing the loving works mobilizing around Him in huge throngs but he had heard nothing about the fire of messianic judgement. He was perplexed. The reason for sending messenger to Christ for clarification. John the Baptist urgently needed assurance from Christ. Jesus assurance to John was beyond question , the Messiah: Jesus spoke as Messiah. His words and power of His message were evidences the Jesus is the Messiah. He also proved it that He is the Messiah through ministration to the people in the power of God. The works of Christ agrees with the works predicted for the Messiah. Christ miracles are the seal of God.(John 5:36) John’s question about the person of Jesus was public : if John perplexity is sustained it will affect the identity of Jesus, the people can easily forget the Mission of prophet , but remember his weakness. Jesus reprimanded them. Christ praised him. John was the Messiah’s forerunner, the heraid of the true king. John was not a wavering reed but a man firm in convictions. He was the promised Elijah. He held firm to his call, God chose a single man to run ahead and heraid the coming of the Messiah. Beloved brethren in Christ, the most important assignment for us is our readiness at all time waiting for the Lord to come. As you step out this new week, may the abundance blessings of God falls upon us all. Peace of the Lord be with you all.
