December 13, 2009 Third Sunday of Advent Zeph. 3:14-18; Phil. 4:4-7; Lk. 3:10-18 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   Readings:  http://www.usccb.org/nab/121309.shtml   ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   “What shall we do?” This is the very question the crowds asked John the Baptist. John calls people to fidelity in the very circumstances of their lives: Those who have more than they need, share with those who have less; tax collectors, be honest; soldiers, do not take advantage of the vulnerable; parents, cherish your children; spouses, be faithful; neighbours, live in peace. He urges people to use their possessions kindly and justly, telling the crowds to share their clothing with those in need, advising hated tax collectors simply to be honest in collecting taxes, and soldiers not to exploit people and to be content with their (often minimal) wages.   John models an attitude of mind and heart that is needed in today’s world. People from every walk of life thronged to him. They sought his advice about the direction their lives should take. John could have taken great pride in his reputation and in the influence that this probably afforded him, but he did not. He knew who he was, and he knew who he was not. He did not use his influence to enhance his prestige. He was an honest man, a man of humility.   We cannot fail to wonder how much of the world’s sorry state is not the consequence of arrogance—arrogance stemming from military prowess, or economic prosperity, or educational superiority. People and nations less fortunate are sometimes minimized or treated as inferiors. Resentment turns to hatred, and hatred breeds violence. But this does not have to be the case. It is precisely this world filled with resentment and hatred and violence that can be transformed. It is precisely in and through our efforts to rid our world of such a scourge that the new world is fashioned, the reign of God brought forth.   Are these empty promises? Can this really come to pass? It is now up to us to decide whether we will turn to God and trust in the promises made to us, or continue on the path we have set for ourselves. God is in our midst. Rejoice!   There is much to rejoice about this Sunday, as we prepare to celebrate again the birth of God’s son, who “will renew you in his love” (Zech. 3:17). The readings tell us that no one is to be left out of this renewal. The church, like Jesus, is summoned to practice communion with and acceptance of those whom our society would reject.   <<   Previous: Second Sunday of Advent  |   Next: Fourth Sunday of Advent >>   Go Back to SERMONS (Year C)