Reflection for Sunday December 15, Third Sunday of Advent: Luke 3:10-18

Gospel: Luke 3:10-18

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.” 

Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”

Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. 

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

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Reflection:

A troubled husband was asking the Lord for enlightenment. Thus; he said to the Lord. Lord help me I am so burdened by my problems, my wife and children are not speaking to me, I feel so alone.

 All of a sudden, the husband heard the booming voice of the Lord, which said, "Your wife and children are not talking to you because you’re arrogant and domineering." The Lord further said, "Change your ways by being more humble, gentle, and loving."

The troubled husband followed the Lord's advice, and it immediately had a positive result. The divided family became one, and they lived happily ever after. 

In the Gospel, before the crowd asked John, "What should we do?" he had already preached to them about repentance and the need to renew their wicked lifestyles.

Why is repentance so important? Repentance is important because it makes us worthy before the Lord. It also straightens our crooked lives, and it heals us spiritually.

Why do many of us experience problematic family lives? It is because we refuse to heed John’s call for renewal and repentance. We continually reject humility, forgiveness, and servanthood.

Would you listen to the preaching of John the Baptist? – Marino J. Dasmarinas