Third Sunday of Advent (C); 12-12-2121

Zep 3:14-18a   (Ps) Is 12.  Phil 4:4-7.  LK 3:10-18

Deacon Jim McFadden

            What struck me about the date of the Third Sunday of Advent is that when you read it from left-to-right or right-to-left, the sequence repeats itself, which is singularly unique on the calendar.  But, what is more remarkable in today’s Gospel is to hear from so many people from all walks of life, asking the same basic question: given our need to repent, “What should we do?”  And, how does John answer?  “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none.  And whoever has food should do likewise.” 

            By virtue of being disciples of Christ Jesus, we are called to share, but John’s call to repentance is more than cleaning out one’s closet.  John is called us to the Gospel of a shared life and the implications are profound, indeed.  As comfortable, secure, reasonably affluent citizens of the U.S., if we have more than enough to sustain life, and if someone else is not so blessed, but indeed, is being denied life through grinding poverty, then he can should lay claim to what we have.  In other words, private property is not an absolute right, but is relative to God’s will and the Common Good.

            At this point, someone might interject: “Whoa, deacon slow down: you sound like communist or, at least, a socialist!  We don’t need to hear this political stuff in church!”  My response: I’m more dangerous than a communist; I am a Catholic!”  

            The above is not some neuveaux,  Larry-liberal jargon, but this belief was first promulgated by Pope Leo XIII in Rerum Novarum (1891), the foundational document for the Church’s social justice Tradition, which he says, “If the question be asked, how should one’s possessions be used, the Church replies without hesitation that man should not consider his material possessions as his own but as common to all.”  That is extraordinary, isn’t?  Once the basic needs of life have been met, whatever is left over does not belong to you.  IT BELONGS TO THE POOR! 

            Lest one thinks that this notion is passe in the 21^st century, Pope Francis challenges us to live the Good News of Jesus; he challenges us to go beyond words, but to put our faith into action.  We hear, “The condition of hungry and malnourished people shows that a generic appeal for cooperation or for the common good does not suffice and cannot satisfy us.   Perhaps a different question should be asked: is it still possible to conceive of a society whose resources are in the hands of the few which forces the least privileged to make do with no more than the crumbs?” (Message for World Food Day; L’Osservatore Romano, 11-06-2015).  In other words, it’s not simply enough to tweak our economic methods and obsessions with having and wanting more.  If we’re going to abandon a lifestyle of greed, out-of-whack consumerism, and indifference to the poor, we must become people of “social peace,” which can only be achieved through distributive justice; and he realistically notes that “whenever this is violated, violence always ensues” (Laudato Si’, no. 157).   Brothers and sisters, we need to repent!  Repentance is not just a boo-hoo moment, but we have to change our hearts.  We have to change our priorities.

            Okay, but what does this have to do with Advent and Christmas?  I think why the Church includes this Gospel reading in this Advent cycle is that if we follow John’s cue, then we will create a “space” within our heart in which the Christ Child can be born.  But, this preparing the way comes first—it’s a necessary condition for the coming of Jesus that we are determined to develop a spiritual life which is about choices, practices, and behaviors that focuses on the work of justice.  If we bypass the conversion work that John calls us to, then Advent and Christmas will slip into sentiment, which will  leave no lasting imprint on our journey into the mystery of Christ Jesus.  Without producing tangible fruits of repentance, Advent/Christmas will be swept away along with the wrappings of our presents on December 26^th.

            What emerges from a lifestyle for which John the Baptist and Pope Francis are preparing us?  Philippians 4:4-7 makes the bold proclamation that we will experience “Joy and peace that surpasses all understanding.”  If one has faith—that is, one has let God be the center of our physical, personal, and interpersonal universes—then certain outcomes will ensure as promised by the author of Philippians. When my passion and energy are turned towards doing the will of God and the good of my brother and sisters, then I can rejoice in this surrendering life.

            By living out of the Great Commandment, we will not only form a community toward the Common Good and Ultimate Good, but in so doing we will experience a communion with God and fellowship with each other.  This will bring the joy of committed friendship to God and our brothers and sisters to new levels.  Existentially, I will not be living out of my own power, but the generative and unitive power of God’s love.

            This kind of lifestyle is only possible if we allow God to possess us; if we are willingly to surrender our wills to his.  Then he will enter our souls with his unconditional love that is manifested in unconditional patience, kindness, forgiveness, gentleness, and pace.  Leading me where I cannot lead myself.  Amen.