(Edited) Sunday Reflections (from) 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?"
In the gospel reading Last Sunday, St. John is depicted as preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. In this Sunday's gospel, (the feast of Gaudete Sunday), John the Baptist continues to preach - 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 groups of people wanted to know what that meant for them. So they asked John 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 to Israel (as it is also expressed through the prophet Zephaniah: "Shout for joy, O daughter Zion...the Lord has removed the judgment against you.") John's appearance made the people wonder: 'Is John the Messiah?' John however said plainly that he was not, and that the Messiah will come soon, to baptize the people with the Holy Spirit and with fire. But before this baptism of the Messiah was to be fulfilled, John had to work and call the people Israel back to God: to repent 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 justice and mercy Yahweh requires of them.
Righteousness, justice and mercy. Three Christian virtues to safeguard one's spiritual path from a direction of selfishness, unfair practices, and abuse of power. It takes time for each of the faithful, to reflect, and to see in what ways each one can practice these virtues according to each one's state of life. Advent is a special season of grace for this very purpose. It is a time for prayer and purification, in joyful expectation of One who alone can give all who believe with a quality of hope that can hurdle any present challenge. Advent is a season to patiently wait for the Promised One, as described in the reading from Zephaniah and heralded by John the Baptist. "...the Lord, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear."