Carmelite homily for Sunday, December 8, 2019 – Lectionary 004 (Second Sunday of Advent)
Edith Stein, also known as Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, was a Carmelite who was executed – martyred – at Auschwitz. She says, “If you decide for Christ it could cost your life. Consider carefully what you promise.” In today’s Gospel we have John the Baptist proclaiming Good News, and baptizing for repentance, and saying, the one following me I am not worthy to even untie his sandal. He opts for Christ. He decides for Christ. And it costs him his life because that Christ-like message is so other-worldly. Focused on the other; serving the other; living in truth; living in honesty; living in integrity; living in authenticity. The world hates these actually. So if you decide for Christ it could cost you your life. Consider carefully what you promise.