3rd Sunday of Advent (Cycle C, Year I)

Community Word: Disciples of Christ prepare their hearts for His coming with joy.

Theme: We prepare for Christ’s coming when we gladly share our blessings with others.

Promise:  The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”(Phil 4:7)

Reflection:
John the Baptist had a very special role as the precursor of Christ, the one who would announce the coming of Jesus, our Savior, who brings hope, joy and peace to men. Luke writes that many people of different walks of life came to see and listen to John – ordinary people, tax collectors and even soldiers. We wonder why they were endeared to him and what made him relatable to his audience. Here are some possible reasons:

First of all, people saw John as being authentic and unpretentious – he practiced what he preached. John “wore a garment made of camel hair with leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.” Thus, when he told the people to share what they have with those who have nothing – “If anyone has two tunics he must share with the man who has none, and the man with something to eat must do the same,” (Lk 3: 10-11), they knew he was doing just what he is telling them. He lived frugally, sharing what he had with those in need.

Secondly, John was humble; he ate the food of the earth and clothed himself poorly. His audience were also simple, poor and down to earth citizens. They would be the first ones to point out a pretender or a trickster, but instead, many of them considered John to be the Messiah. Yet, he remained true to his mission and told them in the clearest possible way that he wasn’t – “one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals,” (Lk3:16).

Thirdly, John’s teachings were practical and easy to understand – share your extra belongings with others, be honest in your dealings with people, don’t intimidate anyone just because you are in position of authority. John was truly concerned about arrogance and injustice, about immorality and corruption, about maltreating the poor. He preached the good news for people to repent their evil ways and prepare for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Fourthly, John reach out to people and interacted with them. He had disciples and followers, yet many more people kept seeing him and were not adverse to approach him for advice. Even the Pharisees were curious about him. His behavior tells us that we too should not be intimidating. Instead, we must open the door of our hearts for others who want us to minister to them. Like John, we should try make ourselves available to empathize and serve the needs of others and share our blessings with them.

Our role is not unlike that of John the Baptist. As Christians, our task is to bring people to genuine conversion, a conversion that brings them face to face with God, a conversion that brings real joy and happiness into their lives.Believing that Jesus Christ is our way to salvation, we place our hope in Him, then we share such expectation with others. Like John, we should all be messengers of Christ, bringing hope, joy and peace to others – “The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,”(Phil 4:7).

Prayer:
Almighty Father, teach me and refine me to be like Jesus. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may be your instrument of love, mercy, compassion and generosity to others. Fill me with your presence that I may be your dispenser of light and blessings to others especially the least, last & lost brothers & sisters.

Reflection Questions:
1. What are your challenges in going out of your comfort zone to do evangelization & mission works? How do you intend to overcome these challenges?

2. Have you ever experienced bringing joy to others, especially to those who are really in need of help, the homeless, the jobless, the sick poor, those who are imprisoned? Share your feelings about this.

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
Dec 16, 2018 (Sun) – Zep 3:14-18/Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6/Phil 4:4-7/Lk 3:10-18
Dec 17, 2018 (Mon) – Gn 49:2, 8-10/Ps 72:3, 4, 7, 8, 17/Mt 1:1-17
Dec 18, 2018 (Tue) – Jer 23:5-8/Ps 72:1, 12, 13, 18, 19/Mt 1:18-24
Dec 19, 2018 (Wed) – Jgs 13:2-7, 24, 25/Ps 71:3, 4, 5, 6, 16, 17/Lk 1:5-25
Dec 20, 2018 (Thu) – Is 7:10-14/Ps 24:1-6/Lk 1:26-38
Dec 21, 2018 (Fri) – Sg 2:8-14/Ps 33:2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21/Lk 1:39-45
Dec 22, 2018 (Sat) – 1Sm 1:24-28/1Sm 2:1, 4-8/Lk 1:46-56

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”