December 15, 2024: Third Sunday of Advent

Gospel: Luke 3:10-18

… The crowds ask him, “What then should we do?” … (John the Baptist replies) Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise. Tax collectors came …and they asked him “Teacher, what should we do?” Collect no more than the amount prescribed … Soldiers came and asked him, “And we, what should we do?” … ”Do not extort money from anyone … As the people … were questioning in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah, John answered them by saying, “I baptize with water; but one more powerful than I is coming … He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit … With many other exhortations, John proclaimed the good news to the people.”

Reflection

Luke continues to focus on the role and message of John in today’s Gospel as preparer for the coming of the Christ, the Messiah. In the first section Luke once again responds prophetically with a teaching and in the second section John makes it clear that he is subordinate to the coming Messiah. The themes in today’s Gospel, therefore, are faith expressed in ethical action and the coming of the Messiah who is for all people.

John gives specifics of faith in action: share your food and cloaks, be just, act fairly. While John is clear that his ministry is to prepare the way for the Messiah Who is about to come, he also urges others to believe in their role in God’s salvation, to be a cooperative participant in the work of God by their actions.

Remembering the historical facts of last Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 3:1-6), one realizes today’s Gospel is an introduction to Jesus who is about to arrive on the historical scene. The events of history, as we know, are not an end unto themselves. For the Christian community always has need of the Spirit to bring forth the reality of one’s life.

Action

This third Sunday is called Gaudete Sundy, “rejoice” Sunday. Is there joy and rejoicing within me for the presence of God in Jesus and in my way of writing the history of faith? In what way do I bring meaning out the chaos of our time? Considering today’s message, am I called to reflect on my actions among my brothers and sisters?