Zep 3: 4-18a; Is. 12: 2-6; Phil. 4: 4-7; Lk. 3: 10-18

Our Advent has reached a spiritual “fever pitch” of rejoicing.  Regardless of our circumstances “Fear not…be not discouraged”, God is with us.  It is the message of hope in a loving God who knows us personally as his own, not slaves but brothers and sisters in Christ his only begotten Son.  How can we rejoice in the midst of suffering, troubles, and broken hearts?  We respond in humility and meekness relying on the mystery of God’s plan.

It is easier for the poor to respond in humility and meekness in the simplicity of life than for the rich in the pride of their pride, prestige, and power.  When we detach from all that perishes we enter into the simplicity of love, to be with the one we love.  The one we love begins with God in the Trinity, our Blessed Mother Mary, our special devotions to our saints, and those who journey with us in this life as family and friends.  In realization of our own poverty we then have fellowship and extend our love to our neighbor, the stranger, widow and the orphan.  This is loves perfect journey.

Again rejoice always, “The Lord is near” nearer than we realize.  Have no anxiety it is the evil one’s temptation striking at our pride, self-image and sense of control.  A lie to be reckoned with though “prayer and petition, with thanksgiving” we trust in Jesus. In prayer we confess God is with us, in petition we let go trusting in divine providence and with thanksgiving we demonstrate our faith that no harm can come to us and rest in God’s peace “that surpasses all understanding”.  It is the human condition to search for understanding where the answer lies that we can take back control of the outcome.  Our control lies in taking the next step of righteousness doing the next right thing while trusting God in the outcome according to his will.

“What should we do?” is asked of John the Baptist. Take the next right step of righteousness guided by the Holy Spirit in prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. Share from the gifts we have received, follow the commandments, and find satisfaction with our state in life economically “wages” we receive working to improve our state with discipline and courage with the opportunities to advance giving of ourselves as servants of the Lord.  This is our Advent to rejoice with expectation for a greater sharing in the life of Christ, in imitation of Christ, and in kindness to all. 

I confess, this week I was reading an article of a megachurch pastor who purchased a Lamborghini for $200,000 for his wife.  My first reaction from the headline was judgmental and concern for the followers. The article reported the pastor was receiving much criticism from social media and as I suspect from those around him. The pastor offered his testimony of not having spent any of the church funds or his salary from the church to purchase the vehicle.  How did he do it since that is substantial money?  He used his gift as a pastor to create resources from outside of the church community.  Others found those resources of value to invest in them.  This is the discipline of dedication to his trade as the Apostle Paul wrote he did not want to burden the community for his personal needs but chose to work at his trade to meet his needs.  Who has not wanted to write a book and improve their state in life while contributing a greater good to this world?  Let us rejoice then together for the prosperity that comes from God to his faithful followers is a gift for God’s glory.