In this week’s gospel, John the Baptist gets us excited for the coming of the Christ. He not only tells us to prepare ourselves for His coming, but gives us specific examples on how to do so. He emphasizes the fact that God will never ask more from us than we have the capability to give.
The first example of how we can live our lives better is by giving of what we have and sharing with those less fortunate than us. As I look around the chapel today and see the plethora of gifts we as Marist students have bought and wrapped my heart is filled with joy. It is not always easy to find the time and money to shop for others—especially those we do no know personally, but God calls to us to give from the heart not only this holiday season, but at all times.
John the Baptist tells the tax collectors to “collect no more than is appointed to you.” At first glance, this advice may seem irrelevant to us, but if we look to the deeper Meaning, there is a lesson there for all of us. John is simply telling us to not accept more than we are owed — this could be in terms of money for a service, gratitude for an action, or credit for a project. It is about being honest with both yourself and everyone around you. Don’t ask for more than you deserve, and don’t take from others what they cannot afford to give.
The third way in which today’s reading asks us to prepare ourselves, is one that should be obvious to all of us, and yet one that is probably one of the hardest to adhere to — stay away from violence and create peace. While we may not be violent creatures by nature, it is so easy to lash out and hurt others not only physically, but emotionally through our words and actions.
If only we could all remember that everyone is our brother or sister and that everyone is created in the likeness of God.
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