of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2024 WEEK THREE OF ADVENT

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2024 WEEK THREE OF ADVENT


THE BAPTIST’S MESSAGE (LK 3:10-18)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Help me to accept the demands of the Kingdom.

Imagination:

Picture John preaching at the Jordan River.

Context:

The people are anxious for the Kingdom and are filled with many questions. John has excellent answers. He, also, clearly define his relationship to Jesus.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. Filled with holy desires, the people want to know what is required of them to enter the Kingdom.
  2. John’s instructions are very simple. “Share your coat” and “Share your food.”
  3. John even interprets God’s will for tax collectors. “Do not collect too much”.
  4. To the soldiers, he says, “Do no violence. Act justly. Be content with your pay.”
  5. Since these demands are reasonable, they gain great hope.
  6. John gives even greater hope. He speaks of someone who will baptize in the Holy Spirit and fire.
  7. John’s message was good news to a despairing Israel.

Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • O Jesus, I am filled with holy desires.
  • Show me what to do to enter your Kingdom.
  • Your demands are reasonable and easy to obey.
  • I will do the simple tasks of my state in life.
  • Your word is good news for my soul.
  • You fill me with great hope. I can be your disciple.
  • You even pour out your Spirit of divine fire.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will seek to know what God demands of me.
+ I will take hope. God never demands the impossible.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)