A Few Words On "The Word"

December 17, 2006
The 3rd Sunday in Advent, Year C

Luke 3:10-18

Hoping for a Fire!

Hope is a term often used flippantly in society today. People seem to hope something good will happen tomorrow or that next year will bring the worldly success desired. In a world that lives on immediate gratification, hope often appears as little more than something to calm the mind and nerves. If this is hope, it is a very shallow thing indeed with little or no true expectation of long-term fulfillment.

True and lasting hope is not centered on material gratification. As Christians we hope for justice, peace, and an eternal life that will overcome the suffering we see in the world. We encounter moments of despair such as war, oppression, poverty, and other types of injustice and yearn for some kind of hope that points to a more just reality.

In today's gospel reading, through his preaching and baptizing, people are coming to John the Baptist for wisdom. John wants them to realize that there is more to life than the things they own. In fact, he calls on them to give up the greed that leads to injustice.

Being selfish is a natural part of human life, especially in our culture that values personal independence. Instead of overcoming our own wants and desires, we often give in and end up hurting others, whether we know it or not. I'm not saying that all wants and desires are bad. However, we must balance our human desires with those that lead to a common good for all.

John helps us to realize we are not alone in this struggle to live in solidarity with the oppressed. Jesus comes into the world to usher in God's reign. In doing so he also unleashes the fire of the Holy Spirit! According to Scripture, the Holy Spirit gives us hope to believe that God's kingdom will come and grants us strength to live it out here and now! John points out that we are the builders of justice and peace through the Holy Spirit. He believes that the Messiah will bring the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ accomplishes this task for us, liberating and saving humanity from itself. God's invitation to us is for an ongoing awareness of the Holy Spirit, the fire that burns in our hearts, enabling us to continue God's mission of peacebuilding in our world.

Reflection Question

In what ways can you actively seek to fan into flame the fire of the Holy Spirit you received at confirmation?

In what ways has the Holy Spirit enabled you to do something that was impossible on your own?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!