3rd Sunday of Advent (C)

First reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12
Second reading: Philippians 4:4-7
Gospel reading: Luke 3:10-18

"He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire."

The 3rd Sunday of Advent, traditionally called Gaudete Sunday,
presents a gospel passage from Luke. Luke presents John the
Baptist teaching three groups of people to repent in word, heart
and action: people who have extra coats and food to give to those
who have none; for tax collectors to exact nothing over and above
the fixed amount; and for soldiers not to bully anyone, denounce
no one falsely and to be content with their pay. As John taught
these groups of people, he reminded them also that he was not
the Messiah. He only baptizes with water, but the Messiah (who is
mightier than him and whom he is not fit to even loosen a strap
of His sandal) will come to baptize them in the Holy Spirit and
in fire.

Robert Karris, in his "Invitation to Luke", interprets this
passage by saying that those who are called for the Lord's
service, must go beyond lip service and actually produce the
fruits of repentance. He also mentions that this passage (with
its reference to three groups of people) are particular only to
Luke, and not to be found in the other gospels. And the specific
message which Luke gives through this passage is that repentance
from sin in preparation for the Lord's coming, should also show
itself in deeds and acts of justice and care for our brothers
and sisters in need.

In this time of Advent, we can prepare for the Lord's coming by
not only repenting inwardly in our heart and soul for all our
sins but also by acting in justice and care for those around us.
And this begins within the family, our social network of work,
business and profession, and the people in our neighborhood whom
we interact regularly as we fulfill all the responsibilities and
duties of our Christian vocation and state of life. Maybe this is
a good time to examine our conscience and see if our sorrow for
sin, our confessions and penance, bear fruits of justice, care,
and charity for others. What acts of justice, care and charity
can I still do this Advent season as an expression of sorrow
and repentance for my sins?

2nd Sunday of Advent (C)

First reading: Baruch 5:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126
Second reading: Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
Gospel reading: Luke 3:1-6

"Make ready the way of the Lord."

For the Sunday Mass on December 6, the gospel passage is taken
from Luke. The passage introduces the person of St. John the
Baptist - the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. John's mission is
to proclaim a baptism of repentance so that the people will
receive forgiveness from their sins. His preaching and ministry
as the herald of Christ Jesus, fulfills what is written in the
book of the prophet Isaiah: "A herald's voice in the desert,
crying, 'Make ready the way of the Lord'".

Robert J. Karris, in his book "Invitation to Luke", analyzes this
gospel passage from the wider context which includes the arrest
and imprisonment of John by Herod the tetrarch. Karris states in
his book that John gives knowledge to the people that the
salvation of Jesus is meant for all (Luke 3:6), and not only for
the Jews (Luke 3:8). John's mission was to prepare a way for the
Lord's proclamation of the Kingdom of God. John points to Jesus
as the Truth, the Way and the Life. His fidelity to this mission
eventually led him to a martyr's death.

There are many people in our life who prepared us to follow Jesus
and the gospel: our parents, teachers, friends, family, priests,
confessors, and many who have had authority over us. They point
to us a way that would lead us to a more faithful following of
Jesus. As we have listened and saw what applies to our life, we
grew and continue to grow with a wisdom that helps us to serve
God, Church, society and family with generosity. We continually
receive this guidance as we are strengthened through the devotion
we give to the celebration of Word and Sacrament. Because of all
these blessings, graces and gifts, we are entrusted to do the
same for others. Like John, we too have the responsibility to
prepare a way for the Lord, so that others may be shepherded to
Christ. So as we enter more into the Christian mysteries in this
season of Advent, let us take the opportunity to reflect where
we need to prepare more for the Lord's coming: in my own personal
life; in the lives of others in my immediate circle of family,
friends, and co-workers; or in both?

First Sunday of Advent (C)

First reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25
Second reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - 4:2
Gospel reading: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

"Be on guard...be on the watch...pray constantly."

The gospel for the 1st Sunday of Advent (C) is from the gospel of
Luke. In the passage, we find Jesus saying to His disciples to
anticipate what is coming upon the earth before the Son of Man
comes with great power and glory. Jesus speaks in apocalyptic
language (imagery referring to the End Time): "nations will be
in anguish", "the sea and the waves will roar", "the power in the
heavens will be shaken". Then He cautions His disciples to "be
on the watch and pray constantly" so that the Day of the Lord
will not suddenly close in on them like a trap. If they do so,
they will have "the strength to escape whatever is in prospect,
and to stand secure before the Son of Man".

The season of Advent is a short but important liturgical season
in the Church. It is a time for preparation, purification, and
waiting in joyful anticipation. Advent reminds us of both the
First Coming of Jesus (Christmas) and the Second Coming (the Day
of the Lord). It is an opportunity to prepare ourselves
spiritually. In the Church, the faithful are encouraged to go
to Confession, to practice simple acts of mortification, and to
devote more time for prayer, reflection, and meditation. If we
take time to read and meditate on the liturgical readings for
the season of Advent, we can integrate the meaning of the season
well into our daily lives.

In anticipation of the Christmas season, our attention is often
focused on external preparations: putting up the Christmas tree
and lights, placing Christmas decor around the home, and planning
our schedules to meet social obligations with family, friends and
the office parties. We can do all this with no detriment to our
spiritual preparation. We can take time to reflect the meaning of
the season in our Christian lives. Advent signifies the arrival
of something important. Do I give importance to the liturgical
season of Advent? What can I do, so that this season of Advent
can help me grow in my commitment to Christ and better my service
to family, work and parish?