Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the 3rd Sunday of Advent: Year C
John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. (Luke 3: 7 and 8)
In this pronouncement John informs us that biological heritage is of no consequence to God or what really makes us who we are, or should be. Abraham is the father of faith. Faith then, is the spiritual heritage we should cling to. And God can raise up faith-based spiritual children of Abraham from any walk of humanity. So-called race, culture, country, politic, language, sex or sexual orientation, has absolutely nothing to do with being a spiritual descendant of Abraham.
After this lesson, John gives them, and us, lessons regarding how to show love to neighbor. “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise,” (Luke 3:11).
I think a little bit of Bible education needs to be understood before this training can take place. The crowds to whom John was speaking were well informed about who Abraham is. I’m not so sure we of today are so informed, especially our little ones. This is sad to me. We should be telling our spiritual stories from the Bible to our children.
There is joy in hearing children tell biblical stories to other children. And, eventually to those children they are blessed to raise or teach. Just as they love to hear stories about Santa Claus, they will also be excited about Abraham, Samson, John and Jesus. But they must be told. Joy comes in sharing our stories. This week of Advent is about Joy, thus the pink candle.
Please continue to keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools. And, as we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: (BCP 212)
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
onewhoponders 