The God of History
"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar…during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John…" – Lk 3:1-2
A young adult recently shared with me how he has recently grown in deeper appreciation of the Catholic faith because “it’s not rooted in ideas” but at its core is about an encounter and relationship with Jesus Christ, the human face of God, which has made this young adult’s life more challenging and meaningful.
Today’s gospel highlights how our God is the God of history. Our age is at once one that struggles in a post-truth era but is also highly attentive to information and data. I appreciate how the opening lines of today’s Gospel anchor John the Baptist’s ministry in the political and religious landscape of his time. He goes so far to name specific rulers and religious authorities. Why does this matter? Because it reminds us that God’s work doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it unfolds in the midst of real people, real events, and real challenges. As Christians, we believe that God is both infinite and intimate. Our God is radically personal and present to us throughout history.
During Advent, we remember that God entered human history in the most profound way, becoming flesh and dwelling among us. The same God who spoke through John the Baptist still works today in the unfolding story of our lives. Just as God labored amidst the complexities of ancient Rome and Judea, God is laboring in the midst of our own world—our political systems, our cultures, and even our personal struggles.
But Luke’s account also points us to a deeper truth: the God of history is also the God of redemption. John’s message to prepare the way of the Lord was not about fear but about hope. God was about to do something new—something transformative. Like that young adult, I also find our faith challenging when it moves me to something new, something beyond my comfort zone. The rubber hits the road when I’m called to love someone who pushes my buttons and gives me an allergic reaction. Let’s face it, it’s also challenging to let myself be loved by God as I am! I don’t know about you, but I rarely grow from a place of comfort. But I’ve not yet regretted or resented those tough moments of growth—they’ve helped me live my life with greater meaning.
Advent and Christmas aren’t celebrations of nice ideas, but rather special moments to be grounded in the real, historical truth of God’s tangible love for us. Let us open and prepare our hearts during this Advent by trusting a little more that the same God who has been working throughout history is working in us today, calling us to a genuine love of self and others.
Loving God, help me this Advent to make room in my heart for you in new ways.
David Romero, SJ