Sunday Reflections | Third Sunday of Advent
By SIDTP SoCom
Published on December 15, 2024
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.
This Gospel passage offers practical guidance for living a life of repentance and preparing for the coming of the Lord. When the crowds ask John, “What should we do?” his responses are clear and direct. He doesn’t call for extraordinary sacrifices but instead invites them to live justly, generously, and compassionately in their daily lives.
John’s call to share what we have is a reminder that our faith is not just about prayer or rituals but about how we treat others, especially those in need. Whether it is sharing food, clothing, or kindness, John’s message challenges us to see the face of Christ in others and act with love.
When tax collectors and soldiers approach John, he doesn’t demand they abandon their professions but instead asks them to act with integrity. This shows that holiness is not reserved for a select few but can be lived out in any walk of life when we choose honesty, fairness, and respect for others.
The people’s excitement and their question about whether John is the Christ reveal their longing for the Messiah. But John humbly redirects their attention to Jesus, who will bring a baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. This baptism signifies transformation, cleansing, and the power of God’s presence in our lives. John describes Jesus as the one who will separate the wheat from the chaff, a reminder that our actions and choices have eternal significance.
For us today, this Gospel invites us to reflect on how we are preparing our hearts for Christ’s coming. Are we sharing what we have with those in need? Are we living with honesty and integrity in our work and relationships? Do we humbly point others toward Christ through our actions and words?
Advent is a time of joyful expectation, but it is also a call to action. Just as John preached good news to the people, we are invited to embody that good news by living lives of justice, mercy, and love. As we look forward to the celebration of Christmas, may we also prepare ourselves for Christ’s transformative presence, allowing Him to purify our hearts and fill us with His Spirit.
