“The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John [the Baptist] might be the Christ”(Luke 3:15).

This passage in last Sunday’s Gospel caught my attention and caused me to pause. There are many passages that catch me off guard and call me to reflect. This is one of them. The people were filled with expectation. Their hearts were longing for answers, for healing, for calm in their hearts. They were looking for someone to help them — save them. This fits in with the narrative we’ve had since Christmas. We continue to see people in search — on pilgrimage for the anointed one. The Christmas tree is at the curb. The twinkling lights that led the path home at night have all been taken down. The presents opened. The anticipation over. Perhaps our expectation is that not much is to be expected until the next holiday. Or is it?

“and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the holy spirit descended upon him…and a voice came from heaven, ‘you are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased”(Luke 3: 21-22). The Christ has arrived. Let us be full of expectation in the coming weeks. Let us ask in our hearts that he may talk to us, sit with us for awhile, fill our souls with peace and desire.