3rd Sunday of Advent (C)

Inspire in Us the Practice of Good (2011-2013):

Sunday Reflections for Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

3rd Sunday of Advent (C), December 16, 2012

Liturgical readings


Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Isaiah 12
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18

"What ought we to do?"


Last Sunday, we saw St. John preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. In this Sunday's gospel, he continues to preach - this time addressing himself to three groups of people: those who have a surplus of basic needs, a group of tax collectors, and a company of soldiers. These groups of people are the rich, and those employed by the Roman empire to have power over its subjects (financially and by military force). When John proclaimed a baptism of repentance, these people wanted to know what this meant for them. So they asked him directly. St. John was very practical in his response: he instructed them to care for those who were marginalized in the Empire -the poor and the powerless.


St. John's appearance in the Jordan area reminded the people of God's promises through the prophet Zephaniah: "Shout for joy, O daughter Zion...the Lord has removed the judgment against you." The people wondered also if John the Baptist was the Messiah, but John said plainly that he was not, and that the Messiah will come soon, to baptize the people with the Holy Spirit and in fire. Before this baptism of the Messiah was to be fulfilled, John was entrusted by the Lord to emphasize to the people the need for repentance and to care for others. He exhorted those with surpluses and those who wielded authority and power, to use them not as the pagans do, but with the charity, justice and mercy Yahweh requires of them.


Charity, justice and mercy. Three Christian virtues to safeguard our spiritual path from a direction of selfishness, unfair practices, and abuse of power. It takes time to examine ourselves, to reflect, and to see in what ways we may have failed to practice these virtues during the year. But Advent is a special season of grace for us. It is a time for prayer and purification, in joyful expectation of One who alone can give us that quality of hope to endure any present trial or distress (and to practice virtue even in the midst of adversity). Advent is a season to patiently wait for the Promised One. He alone can give us that quality of peace that cannot be destroyed, since it is rooted in God's love for all humanity and creation.

Points for reflection: Everyone of us is gifted by God with unique abilities, talents, intelligences or resources. How can each one of us practice in his own state of life that charity, justice and mercy God requires of us? In what ways can we extend our hand to the less fortunate in our immediate neighborhood this Advent?