Third Sunday of Advent (C); December 15, 2024

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

Deacon Jim McFadden

            Last Sunday, John the Baptist, the precursor to the Messiah, called us to repentance, to conversion which is a necessary condition if we are to receive the Good News.  Continuing the 3^rd chapter of Luke’s Gospel, many people from all walks of life, are asking a very basic question:  given our need to repent, what does that look like?  “What should we do?”   And how does John answer?  “Whoever as two cloaks should share with the person who has none.  Whoever has food  should do likewise” (Lk 3:11). 

            If we are going to repent, if we are going to prepare for the coming of the Lord into our heart and soul, we have to build a highway that will facilitate his arrival, which means we embrace the Gospel of a shared life.  By virtue of being disciples of Christ Jesus, that is the task that has been given to us.  We are not meant to accumulate stuff; our identity is not one of being an individualist consumer.  Our life is much more than a succession of random events.  No, our life is a gift from the Lord and John is basically saying to us: discover who you are; work hard to make your deepest aspirations come true!  And, let us not forget: we’re all in this together because by virtue of our baptism, we have a mission to be accomplished.  As members of Jesus’ mystical Body, we have the same mission that He does: namely, to help bring about the salvation of the world and to proclaim the Good News. 

            So, given that, let us not be afraid to ask Jesus: “Lord, what shall I do?”  Let us ask that question every day: “Lord, what would be good for me today and my brothers and sisters?”   How can I prepare your way so that others may encounter and know you?  How can I contribute to the good of Holy Mother the Church who nourishes me, especially through the Sacraments?  How can I promote the Common Good of society?  The season of Advent is very intentional: we stop and ask ourselves how can I really prepare for Christmas.  Really prepare and not get caught up with the business of external preparation with shopping, gifts, and things that are ephemeral.   But let us ask ourselves what we should do for Jesus and for others.  What shall we do?

            After this basic question, the Gospel lists John the Baptist’s responses that are very different and specific for each group. For those who have two tunics, John recommends that they give one away to those who have none.  Again, the shared life.  For public officials who collect taxes, he says, “Collect no more than is appointed to you” (v. 13).  To soldiers who are there to serve and protect, “Do not mistreat or extort money from anyone” (v. 14).  Notice: John is directing a specific  word to each person that responds to their actual existential situation.  This offers us a very subtle and profound teaching:  faith is incarnated in concrete life.  Being a Catholic Christian is not about embracing an abstract theory—no, our faith is not a head-trip!  Rather, as Pope Benedict XVI continually reminded us, our faith is about an encounter with a real Person: Jesus of Nazareth, who touches our flesh here and now and transforms our lives to the very core of our being.  Let us look at the concreteness of our faith.  Is my faith concrete or abstract?  Does it lead me to  the shared life—one of generous self-giving in imitation of our Lord Jesus? 

            And, so as we move deeper into Advent, let us ask ourselves what can I concretely do during these days as we draw closer to Christmas.  How can I do my part in promoting the mission of the Church?  Let us make a concrete commitment, even if it is small and not earth-shattering.   Perhaps I can reach out to someone who is alone, visit that elderly person or get involved with the Pastoral Care Ministry, which brings the Eucharist to the ill or homebound.  Maybe I can serve a poor person by helping out with the St. Vincent de Paul society (Helping Hands).  Perhaps I can stand in solidarity with the unborn by getting involved with the Respect for Life Ministry or Gabriel project.  Even still: maybe I need to ask forgiveness, grant forgiveness, or heal a messy situation.  Perhaps I have neglected my prayer life and after a very long time, it is time to draw near to the Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation to receive the Lord’s forgiveness. 

Brothers and sisters, let us find something concrete and do it!

            May our Lady, in whose womb God became flesh, help us.  Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. What does the gospel of the shared life mean to you?
2. How is your faith incarnated in your life?
3. What concrete action can you do this Advent to prepare the way of the Lord?