3rd Sunday of Advent 2024
Zephaniah 3:14-18 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke3:10-18
Last Sunday the Gospel reading described John the Baptist as he proclaimed the coming of the Lord in the Desert, the Wilderness. The wilderness provided, for him and for us, the place of darkness and penance, away from distractions of the world to concentrate on what he was saying. His message was very much to watch, be alert, to listen and imagine. We were called in the Liturgy of the 2nd Sunday of Advent to be ready to recognise the signs of Christ’s presence already in our lives.
Today’s Gospel continues the account of John the Baptist’s preaching and it seems that the people have heard him and they have taken his words to heart. They recognise that the promise of the Messiah is about to be fulfilled. They are in a period of waiting. They ask “What must we do?” Wait! Yes, but there are different types of waiting.
Waiting on a bus or on a delayed appointment can be boring and frustrating; waiting on death of a loved one is different, it is full of fear and sorrow mingled with a prayer for acceptance. Waiting on Birth is different again; there is bodily change for the mother, there is expectation and excitement.
So, “what must we do?” John’s answer is direct; “If you have two tunics you must share with the person who has none, and the one with something to eat must do the same”. When we think of it, it’s like what Mary did as she waited on the birth of her child – she thought of others. She went “as quickly as she could” into the hill-country to ‘wait upon’ her cousin Elizabeth.
This was a proactive waiting which made way and space for birth and new life. The business people and authorities came to John asking the same question: “What must we do?” John’ answer was similar;‘Exact no more than your rate’ – treat people fairly and with respect, consider the dignity of everyone. The soldiers, the employees, the workers, asked the same question: “What must we do?” Again John pointed them in the direction of their fellow human beings -“No intimidation! No extortion! Be content with your pay!” – respect the quality of all people, no one-upmanship, be satisfied with your lot! In this time of waiting it is important that it be focused on others around us and maybe very remote. Waiting upon is filled with concern, and care and charity. It does not have the opportunity to be bored or impatient or negative. It would create a climate of contentment and serenity and peace. This is a climate into which Goodness could be born.
Saint Paul imagines for us it would be like: a place where people would be happy; tolerance would be evident; there would be no need to worry; prayer and trust in God would abound; thanksgiving would be uppermost on people’s lips. This would be Advent!
The prophetic call of Zephaniah will ring out “Shout for joy, daughter of Zion, Israel, shout aloud! “ We do indeed believe that “The Lord God is in our midst.”