Are you feeling lost and unsure what to do or where to go? At times, life can feel like we are stuck in the wilderness—at rock bottom, uncertain about how to move forward. In these moments, we long for guidance, clarity, and a way to begin anew. The Gospel for the Third Sunday of Advent (Luke 3:10–18) offers profound wisdom for times like these. Saint John the Baptist provides practical and spiritual direction to those searching for a way to prepare for the coming of the Messiah.
John the Baptist’s reaches the hearts of people from all walks of life. His message is simple but transformative: repentance is not merely a matter of feelings or intentions—it demands action. This call resonates deeply as three groups—crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers—approach him, each asking the essential question: “What should we do?” Their question is our question too.
The Gospel of Saint Luke 3:10-18
The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What 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 baptised 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 Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptising you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptise 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.
The Three Groups
The Crowd - The first group asks, “What then shall we do?” John’s response is straightforward yet revolutionary: practice almsgiving. He urges those with an abundance of food or clothing to share with those who lack the basics of life, such as food and clothing. This teaching foreshadows Jesus’ emphasis on the corporal works of mercy—feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. John is essentially calling the people to embody God’s mercy and compassion in their daily lives.
In today’s world, where consumerism often dominates especially in this Advent season, John’s message resonates with stark relevance. Are we mindful of the needs of others, or are we absorbed in acquiring more for ourselves? This Advent, the challenge is clear: how can we ensure that generosity and compassion shape our preparations for Christ’s coming?
The Tax Collectors - Tax collectors were notorious in ancient Israel for corruption and exploitation. When they ask John what they should do, his answer is both practical and transformative: “Collect no more than is appointed to you.” This directive acknowledges the legitimacy of their work while calling for integrity and justice within their profession.
John’s words remind us that holiness is not confined to religious rituals but must permeate every aspect of life, the way we think and the way we act, including our work. In modern terms, this might translate to conducting our business dealings with honesty, fairness, and respect for others. Do we act with fairness, honesty, and respect for others in our workplaces? How do we uphold the dignity of others in our lives, even in competitive or challenging environments?
The soldiers - The soldiers, uncertain of their specific affiliations, also approached John asking the same question. John admonishes them to refrain from extortion, false accusations, and to be content with their wages. These instructions highlight the need for restraint, justice, and humility, even for those in positions of power.
The application of John’s message extends beyond military personnel. In any role of authority, we are called to wield power responsibly and ethically. Whether in government, business, or family life, do we respect the rights and dignity of those under our care?
John’s teaching draws us to reflect on the moral and spiritual preparation needed to welcome the Messiah. His call aligns closely with the commandments of the second tablet—honouring the dignity of others through actions that uphold justice, avoid exploitation, and promote mercy. Yet, John’s message also challenges us to go beyond the minimum, embracing acts of love and generosity that reflect God’s mercy.
The Messiah’s Transformative Power
As John’s teachings inspire and convict, the people begin to wonder: could he be the Messiah? Their hearts are stirred by his bold call to repentance and his proclamation of God’s justice. Yet John, in his humility, redirects their expectations. He points beyond himself to one far mightier—Jesus Christ. In a striking act of self-awareness, John declares that he is not even worthy to untie the sandals of the one to come, a task reserved for the lowliest servant. This humility underscores John’s understanding of his role as the forerunner, preparing the way for the true Redeemer.
John contrasts his baptism of water with the baptism that the Messiah will bring: a baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. This imagery is rich and multilayered, pointing to the transformative power of Christ’s mission. The fire of the Holy Spirit signifies purification and renewal. Like gold refined in a furnace, this fire cleanses us of sin and prepares our hearts for God’s presence. It is a temporary, sanctifying fire, designed to make us ready for Christ’s second coming. The trials and sufferings we endure in this life, when offered to God, can serve as this purifying fire, drawing us closer to holiness.
In contrast, the unquenchable fire represents eternal judgment. This fire, reserved for the unrepentant, symbolises the eternal separation from God that comes from rejecting His love and mercy. Unlike the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit, this fire brings eternal suffering and despair, the ultimate consequence of a life lived apart from God. John’s vivid imagery of the winnowing fork reinforces this duality. Just as a farmer separates the wheat from the chaff, the Messiah will separate the righteous from the wicked. The wheat, symbolising those who live in faith and righteousness, will be gathered into His granary—the eternal joy of heaven. The chaff, representing those who reject God’s grace, will be burned with unquenchable fire, a solemn reminder of the stakes of our earthly choices.
John’s message is urgent and timeless. As we await the coming of Christ—both in the celebration of His Nativity and in His glorious return—how are we preparing? Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to purify our hearts, or are we clinging to the chaff of sin and indifference? The call to repentance is not merely a call to feel sorry for our sins but to turn away from them and live in accordance with God’s commandments.
Advent: A Time for Radical Transformation
This Gospel challenges us to consider our readiness for Christ’s arrival. In the busyness of life, it’s easy to neglect the deeper preparation that Advent calls for. John the Baptist’s exhortations remind us that repentance is not passive—it demands action, justice, and mercy. Are we living out our faith in a way that reflects our hope in the coming of the Messiah?
Advent is not merely a season of anticipation; it is a time for radical change, a time to examine our lives and align them in God’s will. Let us turn away from sin, embrace acts of love and generosity, and live in a way that prepares the way for Christ in our hearts, our homes, and our communities.
As we journey through Advent, John the Baptist’s message challenges us to reflect: Are we willing to let Christ’s love transform us? Are we preparing not just our homes and gifts but also our hearts and lives for His coming?
This Advent, let us heed John’s words, embracing the fire of the Holy Spirit to purify and transform us. May we, like the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers, find ourselves asking, “What shall we do?”—and let us be prepared to courageously act on the answers, walking the talk in our journey of faith and transformation, even against the challenges and pressures of this world. The time is now to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, for His judgment is just, and His mercy is endless.
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