Third Sunday of Advent - Cycle C
December 16, 2012
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Opening Prayer
First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-6
Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7
Gospel Reading: Luke 3:10-18
- This Sunday’s gospel is a continuation of last Sunday’s where we met John the Baptist as he is baptizing and preparing people for the coming Messiah.
- Between that reading and this Sunday’s, we see John warning the crowds that they must “bear good fruits” that show their repentance (Luke 3:7-9). They are not to rely on their status as God’s Chosen People, the Jews.
- In our opening verse, we see various people asking John: If they cannot rely on these things “What then should we do?”
- Note: this is a common question in Luke’s gospel (Luke 3:10, 12, 14; 10:25, 18:18). In Luke’s other inspired work, the Acts of the Apostles, the answer to this question always includes sacramental baptism (Acts 2:37; 16:30; 22:10-16).
QUESTIONS:
- In the 1st Reading, what are the reasons that the people are called upon to rejoice? Who is also rejoicing and why?
- In the 2nd Reading, Why does Paul—and Jesus, for that matter (read Matthew 6:25–34; Luke 10:41; 12:25–29)—forbid anxiety? What kinds of anxiety do you experience in everyday life? How might you do more to follow Paul’s advice in verse 4?
- What do the wheat and chaff in verse 17 of the Gospel Reading signify (see Isaiah 29:5-6, 41:16, Jeremiah 15:7; Malachi 3:2-3)? What does John say will happen on the day of judgment to those who are like chaff, rather than wheat (Psalm 1:4-6; Matthew 13:24-30)?
- In light of John’s rugged lifestyle and seemingly uncompromising nature (Matthew 3:1-10), how would you rate the severity of his requirements for those who are seeking to know the way of repentance (verses 10-14)?
- In terms of your personal experience, what does it mean to be baptized with the holy Spirit and fire (verse 16)? How has that Spirit and fire touched your life?
- Who have been the John the Baptists in your life—people who have shown you the way, led you to Christ, and encouraged you?
- If you asked John the Baptist, “What then should we do?” how would he answer?
- In keeping with the penitential tone of Advent, what one action will you take this week to produce fruit in your life?
Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 535, 696, 2447
Think well. Speak well. Do well. These three things, through the mercy of God, will make a man go to Heaven. -St. Camillus de Lellis