Scripture Study for

The anointing of the prophet mentioned in the first reading may be a figure of  speech, but the duties that accompany it are very real and explicitly social. They  include healing and comforting. The primary duty is prophetic proclamation. The  good news promises the coming of the “year of the Lord,” a time when the poor  will be the beneficiaries of the blessings of God. This will be a time when the  oppressive economic and political systems will have to contend with the vengeance of God. The reading begins with a promise of salvation and ends with a  prayer of thanksgiving for the salvation granted. 

The Letter to the Thessalonians includes exhortation, encouragement, and  blessing. Paul does not overlook the realities of suffering in life, nor does he  advocate a false sense of happiness. The joy he urges is the joy that comes from  knowing that in Christ’s resurrection, even death itself has been overcome. This  should be the source of their thanksgiving. He admonishes the Christians to  discern the spirits active within the community. He prays that God will bring to  completion their holiness in every aspect: spirit, soul, and body. He ends on a  note of confidence, assuring them of God’s faithfulness to the promises of salvation made to them.  

The first verses of the Gospel reading clarify the identity of John the Baptist in  relation to the light that is to come into the world. John is not the light, but is to  bear testimony to the light. He is the voice that proclaims that the light is soon to  come. The second section contains his own testimony regarding his relationship  with Jesus, the man who was to come after him. John refuses to be identified with  any messianic figure. He is not the messiah. His role is preparatory; he explains  this when the officials question his reasons for baptizing. John is content to be the  witness and the herald, nothing more.