SUNDAY GOSPEL SERMONS - DEC 15, 2024
Gospel, Luke 3:10-18
Preparation for the Coming of the Messiah
By Ulysses Ybiernas | December 15, 2024
The Gospel Reading
10 When all the people asked him, 'What must we do, then?' 11 he answered, 'Anyone who has two tunics must share with the one who has none, and anyone with something to eat must do the same.' 12 There were tax collectors, too, who came for baptism, and these said to him, 'Master, what must we do?' 13 He said to them, 'Exact no more than the appointed rate.' 14 Some soldiers asked him in their turn, 'What about us? What must we do?' He said to them, 'No intimidation! No extortion! Be content with your pay!' 15 A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to wonder whether John might be the Christ, 16 so John declared before them all, 'I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, who is more powerful than me, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 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 in a fire that will never go out.' 18 And he proclaimed the good news to the people with many other exhortations too.
THE SERMON
Sermon on Luke 3:10-18
Title: Preparing the Way with a Generous Heart
In today’s Gospel, we hear the powerful voice of John the Baptist calling the people to repentance and guiding them on how to live a life that prepares for the coming of the Messiah. His words are not just a call to inward transformation but also to outward action. John’s message teaches us that true repentance is lived out in generosity, justice, and humility. Let us reflect on three key points from this Gospel passage.
1. Generosity: Sharing with Those in Need
When the crowd asked John, “What must we do, then?” his response was clear: “Anyone who has two tunics must share with the one who has none, and anyone with something to eat must do the same.” (Luke 3:11). This is a direct call to live out the love of neighbor through tangible acts of generosity.
The act of sharing is not just about meeting physical needs but also about building a community of compassion and solidarity. As we prepare for Christmas, let us examine our lives. Do we have more than we need while others around us go without? This Advent season invites us to declutter not only our homes but also our hearts, making room for Christ by caring for those in need. A small act of generosity can be the answer to someone’s prayer.
2. Justice: Acting with Integrity in Our Roles
John’s exhortation to the tax collectors and soldiers reminds us that justice begins where we are. To the tax collectors, he said, “Exact no more than the appointed rate.” To the soldiers, he said, “No intimidation! No extortion! Be content with your pay.” (Luke 3:13-14).
For us, this might mean reflecting on our own professional and personal responsibilities. Are we treating others with fairness and honesty? Do we take advantage of our positions for personal gain, or do we strive to build trust and equity in our relationships? Justice is not an abstract idea—it is woven into the way we live out our daily lives. As disciples of Christ, we are called to be stewards of justice in every role we play.
3. Humility: Preparing for the Greater One
The people’s anticipation of the Messiah grew as they listened to John, and some wondered if he might be the Christ. John’s response is a beautiful example of humility: “Someone is coming, who is more powerful than me, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals.” (Luke 3:16). John knew his mission was to prepare the way for Jesus, not to take His place.
Humility calls us to recognize that our lives and actions point toward Christ. In all we do, we are to reflect God’s glory, not our own. This season is an opportunity to ask ourselves: Are we focused on making Christ known, or are we consumed by our own ambitions? True humility, like John’s, keeps us grounded and aligned with God’s will.
Conclusion: Bearing the Fruits of Repentance
John’s words remind us that preparing for the coming of Christ is not a passive waiting but an active transformation. Generosity, justice, and humility are the fruits of a repentant heart, and these virtues pave the way for the Lord in our lives and in the world.
As we journey through Advent, let us take to heart John’s message. May we share our blessings, act with integrity, and live humbly, always pointing to Christ as our Savior. In doing so, we truly prepare the way for the one who comes to baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire.
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