Today, the third Sunday of Advent, so called from the first
word of the Introit at Mass (Gaudete, i.e. Rejoice), the Roman CatholicLectionary presents texts of joy and social teaching. The prophet Zephaniah
prepares the people for the restoration of Jerusalem. This is the fruit of the
Lord being present with the people. The passage from the Book of the Prophet
Isaiah encourages us to trust in Providence and in thanksgiving make known to
others the graciousness we experience in our lives for which we are deeply
thankful. Our reflection on the theme of the goodness of God which we have
personally witnessed may be the inspiration for others to become aware of the
experiences of their lives for which they are truly thankful. From thanksgiving
comes joy and even peace. Friar Jude Winkler speaks of the letter of Paul from
prison written to the Philippians who are being persecuted for their decision
to follow the Way. The text speaks of rejoicing, peace and thanksgiving. Life, in
which thanksgiving, peace and joy trump tragedy, is attractive. The crowds who go out to see John the Baptist in
the Gospel of Luke seek to know what they should do. Luke responds with the
directions of John to live a transformed life. This change of heart allows us
to see others as God sees them. We understand that it is a matter of justice
and righteousness to share. Our excess is not for us to idolize, like those people
in Scripture who put worship of material possessions ahead of God and care for
neighbour. Our work is to be done honestly and for the benefit of others. The
purification of our motivations and actions in these ways will place us with
the wheat which stays to bring life and not with the chafe which blows away and
is consumed by the fires of mistrust and malevolence
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment