Daily Reflection – Dec 13, 2015
Sunday 13 December 2015
First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18
Psalm Response:
Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel
Isaiah 12:2-6
Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7
Gospel Reading: Luke 3:10-18
Today’s Note: Third Sunday of Advent
Today’s Saint: St Lucy
Gospel Reading:
The crowds asked John the Baptist,
“What should we do?”
He said to them in reply,
“Whoever has two cloaks
should share with the person who has none.
And whoever has food should do likewise.”
Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him,
“Teacher, what should we do?”
He answered them,
“Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.”
Soldiers also asked him,
“And what is it that we should do?”
He told them,
“Do not practice extortion,
do not falsely accuse anyone,
and be satisfied with your wages.”
Now the people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
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 with unquenchable fire.”
Exhorting them in many other ways,
he preached good news to the people.
Reflection:
It’s Advent, shout for joy, Maranatha!
I remember teaching this happy little song with glockenspiel and triangles to accompany the children’s singing. How can we not be joyful when we know our God who loves us so much will dance for us with shouts of joy.
I think we’re more inclined to be serious about our faith rather than joyful, and often anxious about life in general. Paul urges us to ‘always be joyful and never worry about anything’. I think he means if we take our worries and cares to God in faith, and trust that God will answer our prayers, our worry load is shared. We’ve handed it over.
Can we mount a campaign in our homes and workplaces this Christmas, to be more joyful, confident and peaceful. Let’s look for things to be grateful for and to rejoice in.
