Third Sunday of Advent: C: December 12, 2021

 HE WHO IS MIGHTIER THAN I IS COMING

First Reading: Zephaniah 3: 14-18

Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7

Gospel Reading: Luke 3: 10-18

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Zephaniah. The Prophet gives a message of hope for the people of Israel. He foretells the days of great rejoicing and gladness because the salvation of Israel is at hand. He affirms that the Lord God Himself stands in their midst as the King and protector of His people. The Lord God has removed the judgement against the people and turns away their enemies. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul urges the Christian community there and all of us to rejoice in the Lord to be free of anxiety and to live in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving. The Apostle wishes that the peace of God will be in our hearts and minds. 

Witnessing of John the Baptist                                                                                    Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. John the Baptist is asked by people from various walks of life what they are expected to do for the coming of the Messiah, the anointed one. John gave some down-to-earth advice for their consideration. He asked them to share their surplus goods and clothes with the starving and the naked. To the tax-collectors his advice was not to rob the people but to collect what they are entitled to and take nothing more. He instructed the soldiers not to intimidate the people and not to use violence. John truly acknowledged the greatness of Jesus. So he told his disciples, "He who is mightier than I is coming." Hence John witnessed to Jesus. He humbly accepted that he was not the anointed one - the Messiah. John the Baptist is our role model for our Advent preparations. Like John we are called to humbly accept our limitations and littleness: that we are not the Christ, not one of the great prophets, not one of the great preachers or miracle workers. In all humility we have to accept that we are simple, humble followers of the Lord Jesus. 

"The season of Advent is like springtime in nature, when everything is renewed and so is fresh and healthy. Advent is also meant to do this to us- to refresh us and make us healthy to be able to receive Christ in whatever form he may come to us." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

"No one can claim to be a follower of Christ and remain entirely unlike the Master whom he professes to love." - Antony Padovano