Fr. Richard Ver Bust

God offers the healing touch of salvation

December 17, Third Sunday of Advent

Today's readings continue to reflect on the ministry of John the Baptist. We heard last Sunday how John began proclaiming along the Jordan River a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke has placed this ministry in the framework of the prophet Isaiah as "one crying in the wilderness." Luke saw the actions of God as bringing salvation to all people even when Israel was called to its special mission.

Today's Gospel reading is special to Luke. Luke tells us that the crowds that came out to hear John asked what they must do to respond to his call to repentance. It is interesting that it is the ordinary people who respond. There are even those who might be considered on the edge of Jewish society such as soldiers and tax collectors. They would have been considered by the religious leaders of Judaism as incurably unclean.

Their response means that they are open to change in their lives. They will be the same people who will respond to Jesus' call. Some scholars have said that Luke wanted to emphasize that members of his own church must be open to all even those often rejected by society. It probably is a good message for us today.

Luke will use this question, "what then should we do?" again and again in the Gospel and in the Acts of the Apostles. It is the question that those who hear Peter's speech at Pentecost ask.

The answer John gives is radical. He doesn't say go to the temple and offer sacrifice but instead requests a change of life. One should help those who are in need. Sharing what one has, either cloaks or food is what is needed.

Luke includes in the crowd those who one would never think would be there. Tax collectors and soldiers had, in that time, terrible reputations. They were people despised by just about everyone. We still don't think much about tax collectors. Like the parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke is challenging the prejudices that he knows exist.

Luke, through the preaching of John, challenges people. The advice that John gives is not leaving their occupations but to live a righteous life within the occupation. So the challenge is not to a new heroic life but to live out one's life as a response to God's call.

The final portion of the Gospel deals with the way in which Luke viewed John's ministry and that is as one who prepares for the Messiah's work. Luke tells us that Jesus' teaching and ministry will be more powerful than that of John. Yet both will proclaim the Good News of God's call to salvation.

Paul wanted the members of the church of Philippi to rejoice in what God has done for them. He asks them not to worry but to live their life in prayer and petition. Paul exhorts them to recognize the wonderful gifts God has given them. This should be a source of joy.

The Christian life while serious should also be one that is lived in joy for the wonderful things that Jesus has accomplished and for the benefits that touch their lives.

The words of the prophet Zephaniah continue the theme of this Sunday. We should exult and rejoice in the wondrous love that God has for us. The very experience of God's presence in our lives should be a source of joy. Even more is that God offers us, in love, the healing touch of salvation.

As we contemplate the meaning of Advent, it may be, that we too can remember and experience that love. God's love and care is not just in the past but continues even today. Salvation, which heals, is our portion too.

(Fr. Ver Bust is professor emeritus in religious studies at St. Norbert College, De Pere.)