What Should We Do

And the crowds asked John, “What should we do?”

We are now a bit over half way through our Advent journey toward Christmas, toward our welcoming once again the birth, the incarnation of the Lord into our lives. But what have we done since the beginning of this Advent? How have you opened your hearts and souls and lives to this grace, this presence of God during this time? Are you able to really hear the cries of the Baptist?

In the previous verse of the gospel, John calls these people a “brood of vipers,” you bunch of snakes. And at the end he states, “The chaff will burn with unquenchable fire.” Only those who radically transform their lives will be spared this destructive power.

Now these threats may seem out of place with the theme of joy that also characterizes the readings of today, traditionally known as “Gaudete Sunday,” joyful Sunday, not only because the Lord is coming...but because as we enter this third week of Advent...the Lord is truly close at hand, so near. You see, this gospel, although it may seem harsh, shows us the only way to Joy.

Perhaps like the crowd you are asking, “What is it that we should do?” Often when we think of spiritual preparedness, we immediately think of saying our daily prayers, praying the rosary each day, going to confession, and indeed these are all good things. But John the Baptist calls us even deeper.

We may at first look at this gospel and think...well, I’m not that wealthy myself. I’m not a tax collector, or a soldier. So what does this mean? What the Baptist demands from the people who ask what they should do is something new. He does not suggest anything specifically or typically religious, does not invite them to practice some formal devotion or a penitential ritual. He demands something very concrete, and very radical.

“Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has goods should do likewise.” You may have great wealth, you may be poor, but how do you share with others the goodness God has given you? How do you share your material resources, your time, your talent with others...all others?

“Stop collecting more than what is prescribed:” a call to justice. How do you live out the gospel call to justice? How do you work to change systems and structures in the community, in your family, in your convent that deny others basic human dignity? How do you work to ensure that all children attend school, have food, access basic medical care? So often we leave the call to justice as something for others: for politicians or religious leaders or large organizations. But today, the Baptist calls you to act with justice.

“Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” The soldiers are the symbol of those who have power, and can abuse that power. And each of us, in some way, has some kind of power. What do you do with that? For those of you with positions of power in this community, how do you lead and guide others? Parents, how do you use your power to build up your families as true witnesses to Christian love? For those of you in clubs or school groups, how do you use your power to include others?

The gospel today is showing us three attitudes we must assume if we want to experience the joy promised to those who welcome the Christ who comes: share the goods we possess, avoid injustices, and stop oppressing people.

There are just seven days left for your Advent preparation. What will you do? How will you prepare? How will you change to truly open your lives to the promise of the Fire of the Spirit, the source of Joy that we celebrate on this Gaudete Sunday.