Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 3, 10-18
The crowds asked John the Baptist,
“What should we do?”
He said to them in reply,
“Whoever has two cloaks
should share with the person who has none.
And whoever has food should do likewise.”
Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him,
“Teacher, what should we do?”
He answered them,
“Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.”
Soldiers also asked him,
“And what is it that we should do?”
He told them,
“Do not practice extortion,
do not falsely accuse anyone,
and be satisfied with your wages.”
Now the people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor
and to gather the wheat into his barn,
but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Exhorting them in many other ways,
he preached good news to the people.
The joy of Advent
1. Joy. The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday; the term is derived from the Latin opening words of the introit antiphon and means ‘Rejoice’. In the first reading, as well as in the opening prayer, we will hear the word “joy.” In the liturgy, the Church wants to point out that Jesus is coming soon, He is coming into your life to renew your heart. It’s like saying to you, “Come on, hold on, don’t give up!” We’re called to “rejoice always” living joy rooted in prayer. If you feel that you’re losing your joy, ask God for it today especially, ask him to help you maintain it. A Christian has the DNA of joy.
2. Generosity. The prophet begins by telling us that we should share and give of ourselves. Generosity is not only about giving money, but also about giving your time to your friends or family or a person in need. Listening attentively is also an act of generosity, especially when you listen to those in need. Being generous is a good proposal for this time. Generosity implies thinking of others.
3. The good news. We’re getting closer and closer to the coming of Jesus; prepare yourself with prayer and enthusiasm. For example, look at the manger every day before you leave home for work or study and again when you return. Or you could also choose a Christmas carol and meditate on it. Will you do so?
Always remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
