“What should we do?”

The gospel of Luke 3:10-18.

LECTIO: What does the text say?

It is important that we remember that the Church is in a time of waiting, of preparation. That’s why Advent, the coming of Jesus, reminds us not only of the Nativity, but also of his second coming. We are preparing for a spiritual journey to the moment when we encounter the Lord. The Evangelist, St. Luke, presents us now with part of the teachings of John the Baptist. The people are gathering around this precursor to Jesus. His teachings were very radical to prepare them to receive the Messiah. And that’s why when people asked John the Baptist what they should do, he responded in two parts. First is to put your priorities in this world in order. He spoke to the people in many ways. Regarding material things, they exist to be shared with all. Don’t hoard if you have two cloaks, rather share with those who have nothing. The same with food. This act puts the human person at the center and not things. To the tax collectors, to be honest; to the soldiers, even though you have strength and authority, don’t abuse anyone, don’t denounce anyone unjustly, and be satisfied with what you receive. This teaching of John is audacious and he puts his own life at risk to share the truth. But proclaiming the kingdom is worth it. Secondly, he answers the crowds who saw him as someone important. They asked him who he was and John clarifies that while he is baptizing with water, one is coming afterward that has more authority and that he will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. John is the person that opens the way so that the Messiah, the saviour, can come, whom he says he is not worthy even to loosen the thongs of his sandals (something reserved for servants). He also clarified that the Messiah is close and he is coming to the wheat into the barn and burn the chaff with unquenchable fire. This is the proclamation of the Good News, that obviously brings about a change of life, concentrating on the essential, so that when the Messiah arrives, he will find everything in order as God wishes.

1. How does the passage start?

2. Who is asking John the Baptist?

3. How does John answer?

4. What other groups of people are asking John? How does he answer them?

5. What did the people think about John the Baptist?

6. What did he clarify for them?

7. What will the Messiah do?

8. What is the Good News?

MEDITATIO: What is God saying to you through the text?

Ask some questions to go deeper in the Word of Salvation:

Friend, we must ask ourselves honestly how this text is addressed directly to us. Today, we live in a world where there is much confusion and many speak of the Word of God. Some say very different things from what is written in the Gospel. We want to know Jesus and what he is saying to us.

1. Luke gives us this text where John the Baptist is preaching. I would also like to ask: “what should I do?”

2. What would it mean today in my life if I share something material that I have? What do I have to share?

3. Today, how can I be a person that is characterized by sharing?

4. Today, how can I live the values that John is saying to everyone, for example to be honest, not to demand extra, not to abuse anyone, and to be content with what I have? To what extent does this touch me? What can I do to amend the bad that I have done?

5. Do I have the attitude of waiting for the Messiah? Do I fervently wish to meet Jesus? Do I understand that this meeting with Jesus will be demanding for me?

6. What do I do concretely to proclaim the Good News? How do I work with the Church to do this? Do I support missionaries?

7. Do I realize that this text is speaking directly to me?

8. What does this important text make me think of? What is my personal conclusion?

ORATIO: What do I say to God?

To pray is to respond to the Lord who speaks to us first. We desire to hear the Saving Word. This Word is very different from what the world offers us and now is the moment to say something to the Lord.

Dialogue with Jesus personally:

Lord, thank you for the teaching of John the Baptist, your herald. I understand that he is speaking to me also. Lord, open my heart so that I may share. Many times, in the stubbornness of my habits, I hoard a lot, and I don’t share. I ask you to help me to be generous, to share my life, my time, and things that you have given to my care. I want to be your disciple, and I understand that to follow you, I should have an look at things in a different way. I want to be friendly to everyone, representing your love and mercy. Lord, increase my awaiting spirit. Increase my desire to truly be your disciple. Lord, you come to my search, allowing me to find You. May I be internally disposed to prepare myself in these days of advent to receive you. I know that you are a just judge and you come to separate the what from the chaff. Lord, may my life be for you, more wheat, that is, better actions from my faith that is placed in you. May I never tire of proclaiming the Good News and may I always be ready to help those who do not know you to meet you. Take my life. I am a disciple that desires to take a new path toward the proclamation of your kingdom.

Remain silent and reflect for a moment to respond to the Lord. Today, we give thanks for your resurrection and because you fill us with joy.

Include your intentions.

CONTEMPLATIO: How do I internalize the Word of God?

For a moment of contemplation, we can repeat this verse of the Gospel many times so that it may enter into our life, our heart.

Remember this phrase, saying it to Jesus:

What should we do?

This phrase that the people ask is what I will ask Jesus many times: “What should I do? What more do I lack?” While we ask the Lord repeatedly with this phrase, how can I be his follower, giving everything of my own life.

ACTIO: What do I promise God?

Debe haber un cambio notable en mi vida. Si no cambio, entonces, pues no soy un verdadero cristiano.

Individually, reread the text, return to think how this text is addressed directly to you and see what aspects of your life is missing this new dimension to be able to adjust my life to the proposal of the Gospel. At least do some activity where you can share.

If you are in a group, you can share food or necessary things in your community with those that need them. And search for some group (elders, sick, needy families) to share what you gather.