The price and reward of welcoming the Good News…
Reflections on the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent (December 16, 2018): ZEP 3:14-18; IS 12:2-3,4,5-6; PHIL 4:4-7; LK 3:10-18
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Repentance for our sins and conversion to the will of God is the essence of St. John the Baptist’s message to the people who came to hear him.
Some thought he was the Messiah. But he told them he was not, that he was not even worthy of removing the sandals of the one who was to come. Yet John also said that each of them could – and must – change. God expects us to show our love for Him by loving our brothers and sisters, especially those in greatest need. “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.’… Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people” (Luke 3:10-11,18).
Be generous. Be honest. Be good. This may not sound like too much for God to ask of us. However, some days it may seem impossible to fulfill. When we want to hold back something for ourselves rather than share it with somebody else. When it would be easier to cut corners with integrity than stand up for what’s right. When we simply do not want to take that extra step to help others because they may not deserve it, or it’s just too much trouble. The gift of salvation comes with a cost. Christ sacrificed Himself for us. It is up to us to sacrifice ourselves for Him.
Suggested missionary action: On this Gaudete Sunday, let us rejoice in our Lord Jesus Christ – the Holy Baby of Bethlehem and the Redeemer of Calvary. Let us look ahead to Christmas by serving His suffering children on earth through our words and actions and gifts of love. Let us do something today to help one child in need.
Celebrate Advent with the missions of the Church. Visit MISSIO.org.
