Hearing The Word

A weekly newsletter delivering context and insight into the Sunday Gospels.

John's Messianic Preaching

~ Rev. Paul Galetto, OSA

Pastor, Saint Paul Parish + Philadelphia, Pa.

The closing words of today’s lection from Luke’s Gospel are indeed a great cause for joy – “Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.” What was this good news? For those who have been selfish or have acted unjustly and even those who have extorted others, there is an opportunity for forgiveness and reconciliation. The advice of John the Baptist was simple and personal: no great acts of penitence are needed; just live the ordinary routines of your life with charity and justice. Those who asked, “What should I do?” were called to reflect on the circumstances of their lives and have everyday morality become an extraordinary response to the coming of the Messiah.

The first part of today’s Gospel focuses on the correct use of material goods. We are not called to impoverish ourselves for the sake of the kingdom; but, we are called to see and address the needs of our brothers and sisters who are experiencing want and deprivation. We are called to be content with just wages and not desire things we should not have. Honesty and uprightness are demanded of all; they are the building blocks for right relationships.

The second part of the Gospel touches on the identity and mission of John. John’s task was to create expectation. The harvest has occurred and now the winnowing will take place: the separation of the useful from the useless. The one-who-is-to-come will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. John’s baptism was one of cleansing and forgiveness; the baptism to come would be a period of purification and refinement. For Luke and his community, the reference to baptism, fire and the Holy Spirit was undoubtedly a reference to Pentecost (Acts 2:1-10, 37-41). The final verse of today’s Gospel is that the Messiah is near and that there will be forgiveness and restoration.

GAUDETE! 

Trusting in the Lord's Generosity

~ Linda Davis

Saint Mary's Church + Lancaster, Pa.

In our Gospel today, St. John the Baptist gives the people remarkably practical advice: share what you have, act justly, and live with integrity. As a working mom, whose mind is entrenched in the stresses of everyday life, this passage is a reminder that even when resources are scarce or time is short, we are called to give joyfully from our hearts. While this call sounds simple, the task feels daunting. How do I give generously when the budget is tight? How do I make time for liturgical living at home when the laundry is out of control? 

The Church, in her goodness, has given us Gaudete Sunday to focus on these very things. It is a celebratory pause in an otherwise penitential season to remind us that God always fulfills His promises. He has promised to reward even the smallest of our efforts with an abundance of grace.  Generosity is not a privilege of the wealthy. Giving generously from a place of scarcity is a loving and heroic act of trust in His promises. As a family, we can share the little we have, whether that is time, skills, or resources with the Church and rest in the comfort of knowing that these efforts are pleasing to God.  

This Gaudete Sunday, let us turn our eyes towards both the empty manger and the cross – both places where His promises were fulfilled – and invite the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with unwavering trust in the Lord’s generosity.