First Reading
Zephaniah 3:14-18
Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has cast out your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear evil no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. “I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it.
Second Reading
Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Gospel
Luke 3:10-18
And the multitudes asked him, “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than is appointed you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.” As the people were in expectation, and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ, John answered them all, “I baptize you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into his granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many other exhortations, he preached good news to the people.
Reflection
This passage presents a compelling moment in John the Baptist’s ministry, highlighting his call to repentance and ethical living in preparation for the coming of the Messiah.
These verses showcase John’s practical advice to different groups of people, emphasizing the importance of sharing, fairness, and honesty. John’s responses are direct and actionable, calling for a transformation in behavior that reflects genuine repentance. To the crowd, he emphasizes generosity and care for others, urging those with more to share with those in need. For tax collectors and soldiers, known for their corrupt practices, he instructs fairness and contentment with their wages, rejecting the misuse of power and exploitation.
As people began to wonder if John himself might be the Messiah, he clarifies his role as the forerunner to someone greater—Jesus Christ. John humbly acknowledges his unworthiness compared to the one who is to come and speaks of the greater baptism Jesus will bring, one with the Holy Spirit and fire. The imagery of the winnowing fork and the separation of wheat and chaff speaks to the impending judgment and the purification process that the Messiah will bring.
Verse 18: John continues to share the good news, pointing people toward the hope and salvation that Jesus will bring. His message is one of preparation, urging the people to ready their hearts and lives for the transformative power of Christ.
This passage invites us to reflect on our own lives and actions. It challenges us to live ethically, to practice generosity, honesty, and fairness in our daily interactions. It also reminds us of the importance of humility and the recognition that our efforts prepare the way for Christ’s work in us and the world.