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Third Sunday of Advent

Did you ever notice how some people are always asking questions? Whether they're inquisitive, or curious, or just plain nosy, some people are constantly looking for answers. And that's particularly true if something is new or different or baffling.

And that certainly is the situation in today's Gospel reading. We meet John the Baptist once again this week and this time people are interacting with him. He's been telling them all along about this savior coming into their midst and now, as the reading says, they're getting excited and the anticipation is heightened…and they want to know how to get ready.

We all know how to get ready for Christmas — at least what we need to do to celebrate the upcoming event. But I suspect we also need to ask How do we get ready internally to receive the Messiah when he comes — we are similar to those people in today's Gospel reading.

I think those people were looking for some specific answers: maybe fasting more or sacrificing more or praying more. But instead John the Baptist gives them some surprising advice. He tells them to be the best that they can be in whatever their lives are. If you're a tax collector, he says, be honest and don't collect more than what is prescribed. If a soldier, be the best soldier you can be. If you have extra, be the best human being you can and share with those who have not.

John tells them to live their lives in an upright, just manner and they will be ready when the savior arrives.

So often we too think that we have to do all kinds of spectacular things is life to be pleasing to God. But what could be more pleasing to the creator than to love His creation, to treasure the person He has created in each one of us, and to value those around us as He does? What could be more pleasing to God than to live our lives honestly and compassionately and to help make this a better world for all people to live in?

When Jesus chose to become human, He showed us how worthwhile and dignified we are. And when we live that way it is the best preparation we can make to receive Him when He comes.

In today's first reading from Zephaniah the Prophet, he tells us to Fear not, the Lord your God is in your midst, and a mighty Savior He is. He will rejoice over you and renew you in His love. He will sing joyfully because of you, as one signs at festivals.

How often do you think of God rejoicing because of you? Taking delight in you? Singing because of you? God came into the world to bring that message to each one of us. So let's all try to treasure God's gift and be the best we can be…for that's what makes God delight in each of us His chosen people.