The Third Sunday of Advent (Cycle C), Dec. 13, 2009
BCP: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Psalm 85 or 85:7-13 or Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7(8-9); Luke 3:7-18
RCL: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18
 
The lessons for today are rich with imagery of overwhelming and extraordinary things. The lesson from Zephaniah speaks of “singing aloud,” “shouting,” and “exulting” with all one’s heart. The reader is impressed with affirmations of God’s immediate and irresistible presence and incalculable power. All “disaster” is removed from the faithful, oppressors are “dealt with,” fortunes are restored. The Lord himself rejoices over his people and sings as he acts.
 
These images are large and loud. The responses to this prophecy continue and extend the theme. The reading from Isaiah is a canticle that concludes, “great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” Psalm 85, among a list of joyous declarations, says that “truth shall spring up from the earth” — an unusual and thrilling illustration. The epistle begins with a firm command to rejoice which is immediately repeated. The middle of the lesson gives the all encompassing command, “Do not worry about anything,” which could sound over-simplistic if it were not so embracing. The lesson ends with a promise of peace more potent that an ocean wave.
 
Thus far we are knocked off our feet with exultant blessings. But when we turn to the gospel we are struck with two surprises. First, after the jubilation of the beginning lessons the gospel begins with John the Baptist’s words, “You brood of vipers!” They are addressed to those who are coming to him for baptism, i.e. the penitent, not the questioners, accusers, and opponents, as one might expect. This head-spinning reversal of theme quickly grounds us in the reality that the joy expressed without reserve in the first lessons comes because sins have been forgiven, not written off. The good news of deliverance must begin with genuine repentance, and repentance begins with an acknowledgement of sin. “Truth shall spring up from the earth,” indeed. Only when one is made mindful of one’s sins is one able fully to receive forgiveness and value it.
 
The second surprise comes when the hearers ask John what they ought to do now that they accept their sinfulness; his answer is a surprise, for it is soft and easy: he directs all to be generous toward the needy, and commands honesty in their work for tax collectors and soldiers. Suddenly the road to the exultant life is shown to be practicing basic virtue in ordinary things. Could it really be that easy? Or is it easy?
 
Think About It
How does John’s talk of “vipers” and “unquenchable fire” in today’s gospel fit the description that he is proclaiming “good news”?
 
Look It Up
How do you habitually treat others on a daily basis? Are you generous? Are you chaste? Are you patient? Are you merciful? Do you respect, even love, those with whom you disagree?
 
Next Sunday
The Fourth Sunday of Advent (Cycle C), Dec. 20, 2009
BCP: Micah 5:2-4; Psalm 80 or 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-49(50-56)
RCL: Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:47-55 or Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45(46-55)
 
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