3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT (“C”)
December 13, 2009

Q. 558: John the Baptist sounds kind of tame in the gospel today (Luke 3:10-18). Maybe he had extra honey on his locust lunch? ☺

A. 558:
What you do not see in today’s gospel are the three verses that immediately preceded today’s selection, when John scares the bricks out of them. He calls them a bunch of snakes fleeing from the coming wrath (v.7), and urges them to bear fruit that shows they are sincerely repentant (v.8). That warning got their immediate attention, so they ask the Baptist, “What should we do?” (v. 10). Instead of shouting at them again, the Baptist gives them some very practical advice, which is the citation you read in today's gospel.

Everyone knows (or ought to know) that repentance is rooted in justice. So the Baptist addresses three groups in the crowd who tend to be negligent in their just treatment of others. First those with excess material goods are urged to share them with the less fortunate. Then those who tend to abuse delegated authority (like the tax collectors) are told to be just in their financial dealings. Finally, the Baptist focuses on those with power (represented by the military), challenging them not to take unjust advantage of their status to gain a monetary advantage or to dominate others unfairly. This practical advice from John is relevant to us today, also. John tells the crowds that he is not the Messiah, but gives them the good news that the Messiah is at hand, ready to begin the long-awaited harvest.

This good news is also evident in our First Reading (Zephaniah 3:14-18). Zephaniah was giving his prophetic messages 600 years before the Baptist, pointing forward to the Day of the Lord. That Day will be a day of rejoicing, because the Savior will be in their midst leading the festive celebrating in person. The Second Reading (Philippians 4:4-7) continues this theme of rejoicing, good news because the Lord is near.

Since today is all about rejoicing, the clergy wear festive, rose-colored vestments, and we light the third advent candle (rose-colored). Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday is a festive break in our fasting and penance discipline, to encourage us to persevere in our spiritual preparation.

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! Everyone ought to take time right now to review the works of mercy, both spiritual and corporal works. These works are important ways that we prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ (CCC #2447).

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha

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