December 13, 2015

3rd Sunday in Advent C Zephaniah 3: 14-18; Philippians 4: 4-7; Luke 3: 10-18 Today we are celebrating what was known in the past at Gaudete Sunday, Rejoice Sunday. The Church rejoices that our Savior Jesus has come and will come again. Rejoice, let us be glad! Let us rejoice that our Lord came to live with us. What a difference that makes in our lives as Christians. God cares that much for each of us that He comes…He shares…He loves…He proves His love over and over again… then He dies and rises out of love. Yet the readings bring an element of worry. Zephaniah says, “…You have no further misfortune to fear…fear not…be not discouraged.” Paul writes to the Philippian community, “The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all…” And the crowds in Luke’s gospel ask John the Baptist, “What should we do?” The bottom line is that they come with worry…anxiety…fear… uncertainty…they don’t know what to do and they are afraid of what might happen. Aren’t these so much a part of my life and each person’s life? How deep is my faith? Do I trust God? Do I really trust God present in this one situation that I am in that has caused me so much mistrust and pain? So I ask why do I appear to be negative at times? Why do I have the feeling of doom and gloom? I know that Jesus came…I know that He has won. Now we live out these last time days knowing that good has triumphed over evil…God has triumphed over Satan. Am I living in this joyful atmosphere? Sunday Homily Helps from St. Anthony Messenger Press gives an outstanding summary of the first reading from the prophet Zephaniah. (I have highlighted the phrases that I need to reflect on) “Zephaniah’s main message is about the day of the Lord. His opening oracles describe this day as one of cleansing. God must thoroughly sweep creation clean because the people of the world refuse to serve heaven. Through the prophet Zechariah, God announces it will take a completely fresh start to bring about the ideal bond between God and the people of the world. (a beautiful description of Jesus’ mission) … In this reading, the prophet describes the day of the Lord as a day of joy. Humble service to God has made all the difference. 1) Security. Once people learn to value the things of God, they will be stronger than before. They will no longer be vulnerable to the influence of others who sought only to exploit them rather than nourish them. They will have no fear of injury or harm. They will no longer need the incentive of divine judgment to awaken them to the truth. 2) Joy. The reading begins with the prophet inviting Jerusalem/Zion to sing a song of joy. With its prideful ways now in the past, the great city can at last enjoy the blessings God aways held in store for it. Human pride was the obstacle to that joy. But David’s royal city now serves its true King, the Lord God. In the final verses of the reading, God sings a joyful song. God and Jerusalem rejoice together because at the people of Israel have finally become a model of faith for all others to follow. • So I look at a my own need of constant cleansing so that I can serve the Lord in humble service. • I must value the things of God so that I can be stronger and more faith filled and trustful. • My human pride gets in the way to serving the Lord in joy. • I must become a model of faith for others this keeps me out of myself and ‘my way’ with eyes on always serving the Lord and ‘His ways’. Paul is a wonderful example of living in God’s joy. He wrote this letter to the Philippians from prison expressing Christ’s love and joy for their friendship. Paul was full of joy because he knew whatever happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him. I have to keep this in mind, especially when situations in my life make me depressed or lonely. God is with me…what else do I need. The devil always says ‘this or that fantasy’ or whatever brings me joy and happiness. It never has or does. So I continue on in faith in Jesus’ life and love. John the Baptist had a varied crowd of people who came to him. They asked questions…they wanted to know HOW they could grow closer to God who loves them. John told them to examine how they are living: are they living in love or selfishness; are they concerned with giving or do all they care about is receiving. John points out the need for repentance and interior change. I can certainly do the same. Living the Word shares these insights, “Today’s Gospel both introduces a theme about appropriate use of possessions, and indicates the demands of discipleship. Those who have gathered to hear John the Baptist query, ‘What are we to do?’’ (Luke 3:10). the crowds, whom Luke generally depicts as favorable to Jesus, are told to share their wealth, here symbolized by having two cloaks (Luke 3:11). The tax collectors are to stop taking more than their due (Luke 3:12), and soldiers coming to John are told to stop abusing their power by extorting and falsely accusing the people (Luke 3:14). The preaching of John prepares the people for the ethical demands of the good news that Jesus brings.” So what would John the Baptist ask me? I can start by asking myself questions: what ‘thing’ is more precious to me than any other? If there was a fire in my house now and it was big and consuming, what would I gather up in my arms and rush out with? When collections come for the poor etc, what do I not give? If I saw a really needy person how much of my wallet/purse would I give? DOES THIS TELL ME SOMETHING? In his book, Sacred Fire: A vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Community, Fr. Ronald Rolheiser writes about the two baptisms John speaks about today. “John’s baptism is only a preparation for Jesus’ baptism. What’s John’s baptism? It is a baptism of repentance, a realization of what we are doing wrong and a clear resolution to correct our bad behavior. What is Jesus’ baptism? It is an entry into grace and community in such a way that empowers us internally to do what is impossible for us to do by our willpower alone.” So I reflect on: • Are these next twelve days hectic for me? What do I let take control? How can I manage to remain focused on God? • Am I at peace now? What do I need to be at peace? • What transformation in my life still has to come about? Am I working on this? Have I ever asked God to help me? Why not? • Do I feel prepared for Christmas? Why or Why not? Sacred Space 2016 says: For all the austerity of his life, John the Baptist spoke to people in words they could grasp. It was his austerity that drew people’s respect and trust. Here was a man who cared nothing for comfort, money, or fame, who could not be bought, and who could speak the truth without fear. What does my lifestyle say about my faith in Christ? Do I hoard or share what I have with others, especially those who are poor and on the margins of society.”