Sunday, December 21 , 2025 – Third Sunday of Advent
Within the last year or so, former Duke University basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski (“Coach K”) did a television ad promoting a product/cause I do not recall. What I do recall is him talking about putting on a uniform. When one puts on his/her’s uniform, they become something larger than themselves. They represent a team, institution or city and they represent those connected with what is written across those colorful jerseys—and with this comes responsibility, ethics, and moral behavior.
In the same way, I realize when I put on any St. Francis de Sales Parish or School clothing, or an item of my high school or the two universities I attended, I represent those entities and not just myself. And if I respect myself and those institutions, I will wear them with dignity demonstrated by good behavior. The parish would “throw a fit” if wearing a parish shirt, I would make a horrible scene at the local Kroger store and get caught on camera or on someone’s cell phone, for example. The viewing public would think, what kind of people are there at that big church at the corner of Madison and Woodburn?
As believing members of the Roman Catholic faith, we may not wear uniforms which overtly declare our faith and belief. Some of us though may wear some religious symbol visible for all to see. Be it visible or not, we are not just individuals, but members of a faith community that represents Jesus Christ, God the Father, and the important messages of the Scriptures and Gospel message. It is all bigger than ourselves. The question all of this proposes is, how do we represent our faith? How does the viewing public perceive us? What kind of optics do we promote? I think we all would agree we want to send out an example and message of peace, love, morality, professionalism, dignity, etc. And maybe—maybe, it would prompt those we meet to raise “the question” to us which would go something like: “Why do you act the way you do when everyone else is acting differently?” This is where our faith can speak volumes and impress and perhaps bring others to a closer union with God.
In our Gospel reading from Matthew on the Second Sunday of Advent, we hear about John The Baptist. John drew attention to himself but to proclaim the message that someone greater was coming and for all to prepare for the coming of the Lord. He knew he was on a mission which was greater than him and made it clear that he would be no match in comparison with Jesus. Remember these verses: “I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but he one who is coming after me is mightier than I, I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (3:11)
As we move towards the Nativity of Jesus Christ later this week, may we wear proudly that figurative uniform proclaiming the Light of Christ, which has come into our world!!!