Walking with Jesus: Third Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-18; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18

Nothing gets one more worked up than the word “test.” It brings us back to our “school mentality:” When is the test? What’s going to be on it? Is it going to be an open-book test? Does this count toward the final? Will there be a retest for those who are not prepared? Can you … please … tell us what is important to study? You haven’t given us enough warning that you are going to test us! We have so much work to do in other subjects … and ... other teachers are having tests too! It’s just not fair!

Sound familiar? After ordination, I taught for 23 years in Catholic high schools. These are some of the questions the word “test” engendered.

In Luke’s Gospel today, three different groups are anxious and worried. John has been preaching to one group about the coming of the Messiah. He has just chastised them before today’s reading: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance; and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Luke 3:7-9)

The prophecy of Zephaniah takes place during the reign of Josiah, the 16th king of Judah who instituted major religious reforms by removing the official worship of gods other than Yahweh. Unfortunately Josiah’s rule was in the minority, and people swayed back to worshiping deities of sun, moon and stars. Zephaniah announces the impending Judgment Day of the Lord but notes that the Lord will show mercy. Jeremiah’s prophecy portrays a nation in crisis and their future non-repentance which will result in Babylon conquering Israel and the beginning of Israel's exile. Fear reigns: Where is God? Will He restore our nation?

Paul is encouraging the Philippians. Human troubles and infidelities must be attended to; especially the inability of some in the community to overcome their differences and unite in Christ. He writes, “The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4) Be consumed in the Lord and His love, and not focusing on your own selfish gains and infighting.

Over and over we’re hearing the theme, “What’s in it for me?” It isn’t about us; it’s about God’s total love for each person. It’s about God’s plan for the salvation of all people who believe and are convinced in transforming their lives to become more like Christ. We begin this by admitting our own pridefulness. Believing and living: It’s all about God’s love for us and our total loving. Our Advent mantra is in making a choice: Do I want to serve myself, or do I want to serve God? We look to the readings for advice and direction.

Zephaniah began his oracles of judgment against a prideful people who wanted to go their own way … much like me when I say I do what I do because I want to do it. The first part of today’s readings details all the negatives that God has removed ... judgment, enemies, adversity, fear and discouragement ... because God has replaced these with His love and grace that can bring their transformation. Now they have to “take the bull by the horns” and live the Lord’s love.

Paul shares with the people of Philippi that when a community of faith finds joy, they realize that they have “started the ball rolling” by extending their kindnesses to all. This shows them that the Lord is present with His graces … God is present to us … all the time … and because of this, we and the Philippians have every reason to continue to pray with confidence and gratitude.

So what are we to do? How are we to prepare for our “test” of life? Once John has captured his listeners' attention by calling them a “brood of vipers” (Luke 3:7) and announcing the coming wrath, they cry out for help and help right now! John’s very clear response focuses on praiseworthy and ethical reforms: sharing clothing and food with those who are deprived of such essentials … behaving honestly to what is good and right to those in our lives … acting justly and honorably,  being content with one’s life. Our transformation will take on a new character; no longer will we be our old, prideful self. Instead we will realize God’s love is deep and everlasting. We will rejoice so much that our hearts will sing out God’s praises and glory. We will be a new creation: God’s transformation of us to His own people of love. Jesus came and transformed His world. He has sent you and me to transform our worlds. We don’t look for success, as Mother Teresa reminds us:

“We are called upon not to be successful, but to be faithful.”  

So I reflect on:

• How closely does my life resemble that of Jesus?
• How am I orienting my thoughts, my energies, and my actions?
• Do I ask, “Lord, what should I do?” and then do it?
• How can I get more in the habit of rejoicing in God always?
  

Sacred Space 2022 states:

“John doesn’t ask tax collectors to stop collecting, or tell soldiers to desert. His message is simple: social justice. Share what you have, be honest, do not oppress people. He does not call for heroics. But sometimes heroics seem easier than living daily life well. How can I bring the divine into my ordinary actions and make my faith a living thing? What must I do to prepare to meet the Messiah?”