Practical Life

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals. I will remove disaster from among you, so that none may recount your disgrace.

Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7 

Rejoice 1 in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Gospel: Luke 3:10-18

And the crowds asked him, "What then 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 Messiah. 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
By Nats Vibiesca

Are you one of those people who count their troubles every night before going to bed? Many times we yearn for things which we do not have and feel miserable for not enjoying the blessings we want. Then we ask John the Baptist, what should we do?

John the Baptist is a very practical person, a down-to-earth preacher. His preaching is straightforward and realistic. Caring. Sharing. Responsibility. Self-giving. Do not sin anymore. Be honest. Being honest all the time honors the Lord we love. Be just. Break the bad habits. Do not abuse power or position. Give power to the powerless. Add value to others. Moderation. Simplicity. Lead good lives. Retain the good and build better habits. I think the reason why St. John preached being practically good and lead by example because people do what people see. If some people see I’m giving food to the victims of calamities, many people will do the same. It’s contagious.

While I’m overly distracted with the jollies of Christmas season, let me start some practical and simple gestures of following the answers of John the Baptist: Care for my family by spending more time with them each day. Share my Christmas bonus to some elderly people forgotten by their love ones. To speak the truth at all times, lead people by example, and live with integrity.

Prayer

Lord, by following John the Baptist, we come nearer to Your Son and our Lord Jesus Christ. We surrender every detail of our lives to You. Strengthen us and give us the wisdom to live with integrity and holiness in Jesus' Name. Amen.