THERE IS NO NEED TO WORRY

III SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Philippians 4:4-7

We live in a sorrowful world surrounded by violence and war. The dreams of a just, free and peaceful world have been shattered. We try to survive drowning ourselves in lust for wealth, power and pleasure, living aimless lives that don’t satisfy our hearts. There is so much suffering inflicted by human beings on other human beings. Time and again, we are the worst enemies of ourselves. To affirm our egos, we are ready to destroy the world. Having expelled God from our lives, we turn against each other and do not rest until we create hell on earth. We have become hopeless people and cannot find motives for joy. It was the same in the past. The people of Israel went through troubled times when they lost everything that gave meaning to their lives. They experienced oppression and exploitation. It was as if their lives were full of darkness. God had abandoned them and allowed their darkest desires to take possession of them. However, God never forgets his people despite their betrayals and revolt. In his merciful love, God is always ready to rescue those who are drowning and cry for help. And the Lord comes to our rescue. He commits himself to us. Indeed, with the Lord by our side, we “have no more evil to fear”, since the Lord our God is in our midst.

In his letter to the Philippians, Saint Paul speaks also of joy and happiness. He wishes for our happiness, and we may be reassured of it because the Lord is very near. “There is no need to worry.” And, if we are in need, we should present our needs to the Lord. He will grant us peace and guard our hearts and our thoughts.

In this third Sunday of Advent, the gospel invites us to look at John the Baptist and listen to him. All kinds of people went to John asking for advice: What must we do?  We must ask the same question and then listen to the answer. To the people in general, John advised them to pay attention to the poor and share with them what they have Then, to the specific groups of tax collectors and soldiers, he gave specific advice. Tax collectors should not extortion money from people, and soldiers should not use violence and oppression.

John was a truthful man who never claimed to be more than what he was. He came to baptise with water to prepare the way for the one who was coming to baptise with the Spirit.

Let us profess our faith with Isaiah saying:

“Truly, God is my salvation,

  I trust, I shall not fear.

For the Lord is my strength, my song,

  he became my saviour.

With joy you will draw water

  from the wells of salvation.” (Is 12)