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[ver_06, __ 3rd Sun Advent] __ Zephaniah 3:14-18a __ Psalm 12 __ Philippians 4:4-7 __ Luke 3:10-18 __
In our computerized and
media-driven world, becoming an “influencer” is a highly sought-after role.
Influencers leverage their visibility to guide others’ decisions, particularly
in consumer habits.
For instance in the world of food and cooking, the renowned British chef
Gordon Ramsay, with over 50 million followers on platforms like YouTube and
TikTok, demonstrates the power of influence in culinary arts.
Many look to him for inspiration in food and cooking, often
unconsciously shaped by his preferences. Similarly, we are all influenced,
consciously or not, by those around us, whether in our choices for our “daily
bread” or daily wants and needs.
[__02__] [02] In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 3:10-18), we
encounter John the Baptist, a figure who embodies godly influence. While
positioned at the very beginning of the New Testament, John stands as the last
prophet of the Old Testament. He bridges these two testaments, preparing the
way for Christ. In modern terms, we might call John an influencer, but his
approach differs greatly from the self-promotion often associated with this
title today.
John’s mission was not
about seeking luxury, avoiding hard work, or gaining fame. Instead, he used his
influence to redirect attention from himself to our Savior, Jesus Christ. As he
famously proclaimed, “He must increase; I must decrease.” John’s humility and
selflessness stand in stark contrast to the self-centered culture of modern
influence. His life reminds us that true influence lies in pointing others
toward something greater than ourselves.
[03] John’s call to
repentance targeted groups considered corrupt and scandalous in his time: tax
collectors and soldiers. These individuals wielded influence but were despised
for their exploitation and alignment with the oppressive Roman Empire. Unlike
today, where taxes fund essential public services like education and
infrastructure, taxation during John’s time served primarily to enrich Rome.
Tax collectors often extorted more than was required, and soldiers supported
this system through intimidation and violence.
John’s message to these
groups was revolutionary. To the tax collectors, he said, “Stop collecting more
than what is prescribed.” To the soldiers, he commanded, “Do not practice
extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”
These directives reflect the Gospel’s paradoxical power: even those perceived
as morally bankrupt are invited to transformation and redemption.
[04] This call to integrity resonates
with the petition in the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread.”
[__03__] [__06__] In the Lord’s Prayer, the Our Father, we pray this
petition, “give us this day our daily bread.”
In other words, Lord, give us the necessary nutrients
and material things for our welfare and well being.
Yet, Jesus also teaches us through this prayer that there will be places and people
where and who there is not enough bread to eat, water to drink, or housing to
survive.
And, so Jesus’ teaching is not only to teach us
to pray for what we need but also to eliminate and do away with what we do not
need.
To the tax collector: “stop collecting more than
what is prescribed”
To the
soldier: “do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone”
Is there some manifestation a “tax collector”or
the “soldier” in me? in you?
[__07__]
Now, it is very unlikely that either of us is shaking down other people
for money or bribes or ransom.
But, are there not other ways this Gospel might
apply to you? to me?
I suggest we meditate on the petition “give us
this day our daily bread”
[__04__] In the Book of Exodus, the Israelites were
instructed to gather only a specific amount of manna each day. Those who
hoarded more than necessary displeased God, for their actions reflected a lack
of trust in His providence. Similarly, in our modern context, we must examine
our habits. Are we accumulating wealth or possessions at the expense of others?
Are we using our influence to serve others or merely to serve ourselves?
[__05__] I am called as a parish
administrator and leader to guide others, assign tasks and delegate work to
others, both parish staff and volunteers. And, I try to express my gratitude
for this collaboration. In this regard, I am an influencer, though not on
TikTok!
If you are in any roles of
supervising, parenting, grandparenting, teaching, coaching, nursing, medicine,
serving a customer, you are also an influencer.
In this role, I have to ask myself - do I fall
into the trap of trying to get the best out of others as though I am extracting
or wringing water out of a wet towel ….. am I really helping others to be the
best they can be?
Am I praying not only for my daily bread, but
for theirs?
[__09__]
For example,
[do I falsely accuse?]
While we might not fall into the trap of
actually “framing someone for a crime he did not commit, she did not do”, we
might “falsely accuse” in other ways.
For example, do I falsely accuse by presuming
bad motives or bad intentions when I really have no evidence for why someone
did something that I did not like?
For example, do I get caught up in presuming
people are going to disappoint me? These are some ways we might “falsely
accuse”
[__06__] [07] Trusting in God does not exempt us from challenges. In fact,
trials and suffering can deepen our faith and reliance on Him. As Paul writes
in Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again, rejoice.” This joy
is not contingent on favorable circumstances but rooted in the assurance of
God’s presence and promises.
Paul’s exhortation calls
us to go beyond – transcend - worldly
measures of success. We are to rejoice not only when we achieve personal goals
or receive material blessings but also in the knowledge that we share in
Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. This perspective transforms our
understanding of influence, shifting it from self-promotion to self-giving.
[08] As we approach
Christmas, let us strive to be influencers in the mold of John the Baptist and
Jesus Christ. This means using our lives to reflect God’s light and love,
guiding others toward truth and grace. It also means examining our own hearts
and actions, repenting where necessary, and trusting in God to provide for our
needs.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it
again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The
Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
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