3rd Sunday of Advent (“C”)
December 16, 2012

Q. 715: Is today’s gospel advice from John the Baptist unique in the New Testament?

A. 715:
The actual advice is not unique, but the evangelists tell us that John was the first to be moved by God to proclaim the message of repentance in the New Testament era. Immediately prior to today’s gospel verses (Luke 3:10-18), there is a telling verse (verse 9): “Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” John was preparing the way for the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. His message was simple: Repent while there is still time. John left no doubt about what he meant by his exhortation, because he told the crowd that the evidence that they had repented would be seen in their subsequent behavior. In other words, “good fruit” must necessarily follow to indicate that the heart’s condition matches the mouth’s words of repentance. John then gives a few examples of that desired behavior, including sharing possessions with the poor, no cheating, no extortion, no lying, and general satisfaction with one’s situation in life.

You will recall that St. Mark’s gospel was the first gospel to be written. Mark records that Jesus’ very first words were a call to repentance (Mark 1:15), and to believe in the Good News of the arrival of the kingdom of God. Jesus later gave his famous “Sermon on the Mount,” in which he taught quite extensively on the behavior expected and desired from a disciple (Matthew, chapters 5-7).
      After the Ascension of Jesus, we then find the Apostles preaching the Good News. Peter’s very first speech after Pentecost also calls the people to repent, as a condition to receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
     The word “repent” is used over thirty times in the New Testament, so we know the importance of this heart-action. It is important not just during Advent, but every day of our lives! It is the way we prepare our hearts during this Advent season.

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! Never take your faith for granted! Take this time to look at your Catechism, #2447. Works of mercy must be in evidence in our lives, otherwise our hearts have not connected with our words and intentions. The Church has a preferential love for the less fortunate (CCC #2448).

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha

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