by Msgr. Joseph P. Calise
Bill Wilson, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, the forerunner of the multitude of twelve-step recovery groups that meet today, was a student of Archbishop Fulton Sheen and a good friend of Father Ed Dowling, SJ. Nonetheless, Wilson was not and never became a Catholic.
Although he was convinced that to overcome compulsive behaviors, we have to believe that there is a power greater than ourselves that will empower us to face unhealthy habits and overcome them. He realized, too, that the power in which one had to believe could not be identified too specifically as the God of one particular faith or another.
He did not want anyone to think that this higher power was inaccessible to them or that to approach him, one had to first accept the doctrines of a particular faith. This way of thinking opens an individual to a relationship with a God of his understanding that is based on healthy dependence and respect. Next Sunday, we will hear the Gospel account of the Visitation — John will leap into Elizabeth’s womb when Mary enters her home because he realizes the presence of One greater than himself.
That encounter forms the framework of the Gospel passage we hear today, “one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.” In 1977, Franco Zefirelli directed the series, “Jesus of Nazareth.” In it, Michael York gave one of the most impressive portrayals of John the Baptist in the history of film.
He captured the fervor and power of this man of great faith. He did not appear to be a madman but someone convinced of the rightness and importance of his message as well as the urgency with which it needed to be proclaimed.
His message was compelling enough that he is always seen with a crowd around him, and he quickly gained the attention of local authorities. People wanted to hear his opinion, so he spoke it clearly, loudly, and without hesitation, regardless of who was within hearing range. Today’s Gospel highlights three specific points of his teaching that offer us a good opportunity for reflection during this Advent season.
John calls the crowds to basic kindness, demonstrated in the sharing of goods. Those who have two cloaks should give one to the person with none. Christ will later command that we love one another as he loves us. John simply tells us to be mindful of one another’s needs and the communal aspect of our journey towards Christ.
He tells us to borrow a phrase from St. Francis de Sales, “to bloom where we are planted,” to do whatever we are called to do in life well. He does not tell tax collectors and soldiers to give up their positions but, rather, to do them with integrity. Tax collectors should collect only what is prescribed; Soldiers should act honestly.
Most important of all, he invites his listeners to share his motivation and enthusiasm. He tells all to look not at him but for One greater who will baptize them not with water but with the Holy Spirit. One of the most beautiful lines in the Old Testament sums this up perfectly. The prophet Micah wrote, “This, Oh man, is what God requires of you; to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8).
As we continue in our Advent journey towards Christmas, our celebration of one mightier than us who enables us to live lives of purpose and meaning, may we hear the cry of the Baptist and approach with love, integrity, and faith.
Readings for Third Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah: 3:14-18a
Philippians: 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18
Msgr. Calise is pastor of Transfiguration-St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Maspeth.
