What Should We Do?
My Dear Friends,
We are now in the third week of preparations for the arrival of the Babe of Bethlehem, Love incarnate! And this weekend we bring all our baby Jesus’ from our home manger for a blessing. In a way, to take a bit of the blessing from Church and bring it back home, to your home church (ecclesia domestica) so that the peace of the season can flow from the altar all the way to your manger at home.
We have been studying and hopefully growing in our ways to both give and receive love, by using the five love languages (thanks Gary Chapman). If this message is speaking to you, dive deeper by picking up the book most applicable to your reality.
It is crucial to remember that the way we prefer to give love may not be the way our loved ones prefer to receive it. And if we really want that person to know and feel the love we have for them, we ought to communicate our love in their language. True lovers learn the language of the other. Which could mean giving a hug or massage when we are not in the mood, a word of encouragement when we do not feel like it, or selecting a gift even if it does not come naturally to us. All for the sake of communicating in the preferred language of the other. This reality is applicable, with adaptations, to all relationships.
Everyone gathers around John the Baptist today with a question: “What should we do?” (see Luke 3:10-18). He gives very practical advice, depending on who is asking. Above all, he counsels justice, to treat others as they deserve, so that those with authority (among them tax collectors and soldiers) would not take advantage of their positions, and to be generous with those in our midst. Justice and generosity are the hallmarks of his words.
The advice, while helpful, is unremarkable, and reminiscent of Micah’s summary reminder for all humans: You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God. (Mic 6:8) I love that quote because it uncomplicates so much of what we can make complicated.
And John the Baptist is downright practical and uncomplicated. Let us recall that the basis of these questions is the arrival of the One called the Christ or Messiah. People come from far and wide into the desert to hear John preach, so magnanimous, zealous, and authentic were his words. He preached with conviction, as someone who would stake their life on what they said. And indeed, John did.
How might we apply these practical suggestions to our holiday preparations? How might we embrace some acts of service, in generosity and humility, for our neighbor during this busy season?
Perhaps someone you don’t usually buy a gift could use one, and so go for it! Maybe it is time to write out a few Christmas cards, quality over quantity, and really express your love to the recipient. Maybe you could bring your neighbor to the Comfort and Joy Concert this week - offer to drive! Or maybe someone needs help baking or with decorations. How could you be of service to your neighbor? That is the question of the week. It is simple and practical, and a wonderful way to manifest the love in our hearts for the other.
God’s peace be with you!
Fr. Wilson
