The Third Sunday of Advent

The crowd asks John what they should do to lead a virtuous life. He provides concrete and practical answers to live peacefully and harmoniously, and points to the imminent arrival of the Messiah.

Gospel according to 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.

Reflections

This Sunday’s Gospel follows up on John the Baptist’s ministry, inviting us to repent and to live a virtuous life. The reading begins with the crowds gathered around John, asking for guidance on living their lives in a way that is pleasing to God. He gives straightforward and practical responses, emphasizing the need for tangible actions that demonstrate our devotion to God and our commitment to salvation. The advice, in general, is to be generous and charitable: “‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise’” (Luke 3:11). In response to specific requests, John advises temperance and justice: “‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you’” (Luke 3:13). Likewise, “‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages’” (Luke 3:14).

We are reminded that reconciliation is not just a feeling, or a vague desire, but it requires a radical transformation of our lives. During the Advent season, we are invited to reflect on how we may best live Christian values. For example, during this time, we may ponder the Permanent Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, which include respecting life and the dignity of the human person, working for the Common Good, encouraging agency, and solidarity. We may reflect on the fundamental values of Catholic social teaching, such as truth, freedom, justice, and charity. We may examine our actions in the light of Christian social virtues, such as prudence, stewardship, humility, wisdom, and living the Beatitudes. (1) These guidelines, based on the Scriptures, and Church tradition, provide a framework for optimal conduct.

As we journey through this season of expectation, we are prompted to examine our conscience. We should ask ourselves the questions: “Where is it that my actions have contributed to brokenness in the world?” “What unhelpful habits do I need to break?” “Where in my life should I be more compassionate and just?” And most importantly, “What is holding me back from my relationship with God?” Jesus’ grace is available to everyone, but it requires effort on our part to acknowledge our sinful nature, turn away from sin, and open ourselves to God’s Grace to lead a life of virtue.

John’s message goes beyond virtues and good deeds because he points to the source – He proclaims the coming of the Messiah. He says: “‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals’” (Luke 3:16). While John came to baptize with water, he teaches the crowds that the Messiah will come to baptize “... with the Holy Spirit, and fire” (Luke 3:16). We are reminded about the meaning of repentance: It is not just about feeling sorry for our sins, but about opening our hearts to the transformative power of God’s grace and letting the flame of love burn within us.

The lifestyle of John the Baptist was authentic. He was the “voice crying out in the desert” (Isaiah 40:3), preaching without hypocrisy and following the way of the Lord. May this season of Advent allow us to strive for a virtuous life of honesty and reconciliation. Let us be generous with our time, talent, and treasure, and let us work to create a more just and compassionate world. Let us prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah, who will baptize us with fire and the Holy Spirit, and transform us into the people who God has called us to be. In doing so, we will be made worthy to meet our saviour, Jesus Christ.

On the Third Week of Advent, also known as “Gaudete” (Rejoice) Sunday, we are surrounded by the exuberant love of God. While we express our hope in the words of songs, such as “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” we are also beckoned to move closer to the mystery of God among us, and encourage each other with “Adeste Fideles”: “O Come All Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant.”