Third Sunday of Advent
Dwelling in the Word, listening, being in conversation with God,
being known, receiving guidance.
Lord Jesus Christ,
You see how bent over we are
Under the weight of the world’s habits.
Unburden us
Clear the path within our soul
Lift up our heads to see you
Our hearts to love you
And welcome your coming.
Third Sunday of Advent
This week our lectionary guide leaves us a while longer in the wilderness. John the Baptist is here, and as we watch and wait, crowds of people also arrive. They are making this pilgrimage to hear John preach, and to be baptized in the Jordan River which flows nearby. (Luke 3:7-18)
John’s words echo in our ears:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill
shall be made low,and the crooked shall be made
straight
and the rough ways made
smooth;
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ Luke 3:4-6 NRSV
John reminds us that God has called him to tell to clear the road, to turn from our life within the dark shadows of the world’s system (hidden for now behind the bright lights and sounds of music), and to ready ourselves for the Coming One. Our pedigree will not help us here; no special name cards and seats at the banquet because we were born into the right family and tribe. Pointing to the stones on the ground, and in the bed of the river, John reminds us all that “God is able from these stones to raise up children . . . ”
If that is not the case, then what do we need? What must we do to be ready, to see the salvation of our God? To be rescued by God from the clutches and trauma of the world’s ways?
As we wait on the banks we realize that baptism is a beginning. This ritual of entering into the water, being washed, dying to our past way of living and rising to new life (Romans 6:1-4) and being indwelt by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit – as the water is poured over our body – does prepare us for Jesus’ coming. Jesus comes in countless ways, and moves to greater and greater depth within our person and being. Here we begin to know the presence and peace of God which invades our heart, surpasses all understanding, and which guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)
This baptism – and each renewal of our baptism — carries all this meaning – and action of God within us.
But what else do we need to do? That is the question of the crowd, the tax collectors, and the military. John knows the poverty of the masses: how little they earn, and how much they are taxed, how hungry they are when the harvest is not good, and how few clothes children, men, and women have to wear. To them he says, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.”
In this way we clear the way for the coming of Jesus, and enter into Jesus’ work to “save the lame and gather the outcast” and “change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.” (Zephaniah 3:19)
To the tax collectors – those who collected taxes from the Israelites to pay the Roman occupation political and military machine, and who demanded more than was required to line their own pockets – John says: “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” They are to turn from their greed, to be honest and fair, and not to use their office for their own gain.
To the military John says, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.” Again, a call to turn from greed and mis-use of power. And a reminder to learn to be satisfied with what they do receive in the way of earnings.
These tangible, but life-changing changes are just a beginning. But such actions of generosity, turning from greed, and being content with less, are ways in which we become awake to Jesus’ coming. We are prepared to meet and welcome him in the many ways in which he comes–beyond his birth in the manger in Bethlehem.
This baptismal turning results in basic change in how we see others, and how we loosen our grip on things, money, and power.
This week, pay attention to how the Spirit of Jesus addresses you as you ask, “What then should I do?” Notice how you respond, and what changes within you as you do.
You come to us
In the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Help me to be present to you -
To be with you,
To listen –
With the ears of my heart.
Continue to free me from the stuff of this world which holds me captive.
Lead me in your Way of life.
Amen
Season of Advent: week 3
- 12/7 Monday: Luke 3:7-14
- 12/8 Tuesday: Luke 3:14-18
- 12/9 Wednesday: Isaiah 12:2-6
- 12/10 Thursday: Zephaniah 3:14-20
- 12/11 Friday: Philippians 4:4-7
- 12/12 Saturday: Luke 3:7-14
- 12/13 Sunday: Luke 3:14-18