DECEMBER 2021
SUNDAY DAY 12
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
Scripture Reading: Luke 3:10-18
In our Gospel for this third Sunday of Advent, John gives us another angle about Christmas that we must seriously look into. When John was asked by the crowd, “What should we do”? John told them to share their cloaks and their food. Then he told the taxmen to stop collecting more than what is prescribed. Afterwards, he told the soldiers to stop being extortionists and be satisfied with their wages.
Through his actions and words John is telling us that Christmas is not all about the material things of this world. That Christmas is about giving and sharing, especially to those who are poor and cannot repay our generosity. Christmas is also about repentance and changing our ways for the better. That’s why he said to the taxmen and the soldiers: “Stop your extortions and be satisfied with your wages.”
“What should we [I] do?” This is THE question Luke wants all of us to ask. Luke is looking for more than just, “What must I believe?” God uses Luke to speak to our times when goodness and godliness are sometimes associated with only what we feel or what we think. Change has to change more than just what goes on in the gray matter between our ears. Yes, God wants our hearts, minds, and souls to be thoroughly convicted and passionate. Yes, without faith and love, all action is hollow and vain. But, the Bible makes clear that faith is not genuine if all it does is change what we think. Real faith leads us to action. Faith is always displayed in action based upon trust — it is never just mere wishful thinking or good intentions. When Jesus enters our world, he changes it. When Jesus enters our lives, he changes us. So the question of each day, the ultimate question of faith, is this: “What, Lord, should I do?” Why not begin each day by asking Jesus that question?
MASS: VIOLET: OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE/ JANE FRANCIS DE CHANTEL. Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Ps. Is 12:2-3, 4bcde, 5-6 (R.6); Phil. 4:4-7; Accl: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has sent me to preach good news to the poor; Gospel Lk. 3:10-18
Prayer Point:
1. O God, guide my steps, lead my heart, and form my character. I want my faith to be more than talk. I want my love for You to be displayed in what I do and how I do it. Father, whenever I hear Your word, please, give me the grace not to harden my heart against it. Empower me to initiate the change process in the Name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.
Exercise: Take the prayer “Stay with me Lord” by Padre Pio in Section A of DSD.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Prayerfully plan to partake in the DSD 2022 21-Day fasting, STARTING ON MONDAY 3RD TO WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY, 2022. General round off will be from WEDNESDAY 26TH TO FRIDAY 28TH (VIGIL) JANUARY, 2022. All DSD users are encouraged to organize and be part of the daily fasting and general round off in their parishes/Dioceses/localities/offices/market places/schools with the approval of your ecclesia and civil authorities. For inquiry: Call 07038447934 or 08112816095
Meditation: Acts 16:30-31