3rd Sunday of Advent - Fr. Leo
St. John the Evangelist continues his mission of preparing people for the coming of the Son of God. Luke has him giving very practical advice to those who come to him. To the soldiers, not to extort or falsely accuse. To the tax collectors, not to collect more that what was prescribed. And to those who have two cloaks, to share one with someone who has none.
John’s teaching is about how to live God’s truth, justice and love. Real faith always finds expression in how we live our lives. Deep down, when we live in Christ we will love and act like Christ. This take two things. First, to strive as best we can with the grace of the Holy Spirit to live as Christ. The second, is to intend in our hearts the desire to live in God, in all things.
The following passage from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is good to contemplate as we consider God’s gift in sharing his Spirit with us, and our living daily in the Spirit that is His.
“The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your request known to God.
Then the peace of God
that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds
in Christ Jesus.”