Third Sunday of Advent [C]
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT [C]
Evidently a movement is underway. People are gathering along the banks of the Jordan so that they can listen to the preaching of a prophet named John. Compelled by his message, they begin to wonder how they might go about becoming a part of this new movement. Sensing that something will be required of them, they pose the following question: “What should we be doing” (Lk. 3:10-14)? According to John, they should be sharing their resources with the needy. As for what they should not be doing, he warns against abuse and exploitation. Essentially, he confirms what they were anticipating: namely, that a measure of conversion is being called for. It’s an expectation.
What we need to determine is whether it’s reasonable or unreasonable. Does this represent a reasonable expectation? Or could it be perceived as something unreasonable? Suppose we have a listener who doesn’t want to change anything about his/her way of life? There is an interest in joining, but not any particular interest in conversion. If we don’t accept them into the movement, we will come across as harsh, rigid, judgmental. We won’t be seen as inclusive. It will be said that we are not a welcoming community. So perhaps the expectation for conversion should be regarded as an unreasonable expectation. It would appear that we are setting the wrong type of precedent. After all, the church we hand on to subsequent generations needs to be looked upon as a welcoming church, an inclusive church—completely accepting.
How then, does it all play out? Roughly twenty one centuries hence, what are people saying about the church? Well, it’s like this: they maintain that we are not a welcoming church; we’re not inclusive; we are too harsh, too rigid, too judgmental. That’s the narrative. Should we be listening to it? The Pope would probably want us to listen. It’s all part of being a synodal church. Yet, along with listening to the culture, we also need to be monitoring the voice of the Holy Spirit. As we tune into the voice of the Holy Spirit it becomes clear: We are not being unreasonable.
The truth is that we really are a welcoming community. We are inclusive. We are inclusive in the same way that a book club is inclusive. Join a local book club. Or perhaps you may choose to join a high-profile book club, like the one organized by Oprah Winfrey. Yes, they will be glad to welcome you on board. But they will expect something of you. They will expect you to read the books that are being assigned. Does this strike you as an imposition? Is it too much to ask? If so, it will likely be suggested to you that you seek out some other form of club. Will you be able to make a case against the club? You won’t make a convincing case. Try to paint them as harsh, rigid, unwelcoming. Complain that they are not being inclusive. See whether you get a hearing.
As for the church, cases are made on a regular basis. However, what about the modern day charge that we don’t do enough to welcome or to include? It’s worth listening to that charge. But we need to be listening, likewise, to the words of Sacred Scripture. In this Luke passage we should note that the people stepping forward are very open to the concept of change, the concept of conversion. And furthermore let’s appreciate the fact that John’s not prescribing anything extreme. Even so, what will it mean for you if you stumble in your attempt to embrace these principals? The prophet Zephaniah wants you to take heart. Don’t be discouraged. For his part, the Lord is ready to absolve you, to bless you, and to renew you (Zeph. 3:14-17). Therefore, continue to dedicate yourself to the practice of prayer (Phil. 4:6). Recognize that it might be a demanding path, but it’s also the path that brings you authentic peace. Paul describes it, not as a shallow peace, but as the peace that “surpasses all understanding” (4:7).
