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Filled with Expectation

Have the people you most loved and admired ever not lived up to what you expected from them? That has certainly happened in my life. Expecting too much from others can lead to heartache. Sometimes it’s not their fault, but ours for wanting too much by setting unrealistic standards. The crowds in today’s Gospel had high expectations. “Now the people were filled with expectations, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ” (Lk 3:15). John the Baptist was great. Yet, he could not possibly live up to what the crowds not only wanted, but also desperately needed. So what does he do? John does not disappoint the people. In fact, he tells them that they are not expecting enough! John is as nothing compared to the one who is coming. That one will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. This Gospel expands our expectations for the only one who can fill our heart’s desire. No family member, friend, minister, or social leader can do that. Only God is the one “who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine" (Eph 3:20). Hope in him never disappoints. Because he is beyond our wildest expectations, rejoice in the Lord always! He is near.

Father Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Magnificat, December, 2009

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