A parishioner's Gospel reflection
Second Sunday of Advent
9 December 2018: 2nd Sunday of Advent: Bible Sunday (Cycle C)
Parishioner’s Gospel
Contributor: Bob Skudder
Luke 3: 1-6
John was raised under the teachings of his father Zechariah. He learned about the Torah, It is made up of the Mishnah and the Gemara. The Mishnah is the original written version of the oral law and the Gemara is the record of the rabbinic discussions followed by this writing down. It includes their difference of view.) Also other important Jewish holy books in Scripture.
John was probably being groomed for the priesthood like his father, but the spirit of God had led John out into the wilderness to live as a wild man who learned how to eat off the land.
The description of John is brief and stark. He was arrayed in a “camel hair garment” secured by a leather belt and his diet was locusts and wild honey.
John was somewhat reclusive “eating and drinking” stood for socialising. The profit was not a party-goer his ascetic lifestyle appeared almost demonic, like those possessed of evil spirits were apparently frequented the desolate areas.
John did not seek out the multitudes. Rather, somehow he attract them.
John is looked upon as John the Baptist, meaning baptising people from sin, however in reality he was very much more than this.
In ancient times, when a king was going to visit a city, he would send before him someone to herald his coming to announce that he will be arriving soon. The Herald would go around the city and go before the leaders telling them all the King is coming, he will be here any day so clean up your lives make sure you are all in obedience to the King’s command, so that you will not be punished when he arrives.
This is exactly why John was sent. To announce to the world the coming of Jesus. Any Hebrew familiar with the old Testament could have expected the ministry of John as a preliminary measure in the divine plan paving the way for the appearance of the Messiah.
John’s mission can be summed up by one word “ Preparer.“ It was his happy chore to prepare people for the coming Messiah. Both Isaiah and Malachi had announced that he would prepare the way for the coming of Jehovah, a firm affirmation incidentally of the deity of Jesus.
John the Baptist was God’s own Herald.
********************************
16 December 2018: 3rd Sunday of Advent (Cycle C)
Parishioner’s Gospel
Contributor: Cecilia Skudder (Cjs.)
Luke 3: 10-18
“What must we do then?” The people asked of John.
“If someone had no tunic, and you have two..that’s wrong!
You must give one to another, as with food…you have to share.”
Many asked him questions, of the crowds that gathered there.
Then came tax collectors, they wished to be baptised.
“Exact no more interest, than the rate that’s been advised.”
To soldiers he had these words, “Be content with what you’re paid,
and no intimidation, nor extortion – to be saved.”
The people were expectant; perhaps the Christ could be this man?
John knew that he must tell them, that this was not God’s plan.
John told them that repentance, humility and work,
prepared them for the future, so their duties not to shirk.
For He would soon be coming, more powerful than John,
and John not fit to carry, the sandals He had on!
The purpose for His coming, from which He’d never tire,
Was to baptise all the people, with the Spirit and with fire!
The threshing floor He’d clean, winnowing fan in hand.
The barn would store His wheat, the chaff burnt with fire-brand!
We always need reminding, so complacent we’ll not be.
For Christ loves all His people, and wants us to be free.
We also await His coming, we’ll never know just when.
We always must be ready, when Jesus comes again. Cjs.
Isaiah foretold someone would precede the Christ and John was he.
John prepared us for the coming of the Saviour.
Are we prepared for His second coming?
Parishioner’s Gospel
Contributor: Bob Skudder
Luke 3: 1-6
John was raised under the teachings of his father Zechariah. He learned about the Torah, It is made up of the Mishnah and the Gemara. The Mishnah is the original written version of the oral law and the Gemara is the record of the rabbinic discussions followed by this writing down. It includes their difference of view.) Also other important Jewish holy books in Scripture.
John was probably being groomed for the priesthood like his father, but the spirit of God had led John out into the wilderness to live as a wild man who learned how to eat off the land.
The description of John is brief and stark. He was arrayed in a “camel hair garment” secured by a leather belt and his diet was locusts and wild honey.
John was somewhat reclusive “eating and drinking” stood for socialising. The profit was not a party-goer his ascetic lifestyle appeared almost demonic, like those possessed of evil spirits were apparently frequented the desolate areas.
John did not seek out the multitudes. Rather, somehow he attract them.
John is looked upon as John the Baptist, meaning baptising people from sin, however in reality he was very much more than this.
In ancient times, when a king was going to visit a city, he would send before him someone to herald his coming to announce that he will be arriving soon. The Herald would go around the city and go before the leaders telling them all the King is coming, he will be here any day so clean up your lives make sure you are all in obedience to the King’s command, so that you will not be punished when he arrives.
This is exactly why John was sent. To announce to the world the coming of Jesus. Any Hebrew familiar with the old Testament could have expected the ministry of John as a preliminary measure in the divine plan paving the way for the appearance of the Messiah.
John’s mission can be summed up by one word “ Preparer.“ It was his happy chore to prepare people for the coming Messiah. Both Isaiah and Malachi had announced that he would prepare the way for the coming of Jehovah, a firm affirmation incidentally of the deity of Jesus.
John the Baptist was God’s own Herald.
********************************
16 December 2018: 3rd Sunday of Advent (Cycle C)
Parishioner’s Gospel
Contributor: Cecilia Skudder (Cjs.)
Luke 3: 10-18
“What must we do then?” The people asked of John.
“If someone had no tunic, and you have two..that’s wrong!
You must give one to another, as with food…you have to share.”
Many asked him questions, of the crowds that gathered there.
Then came tax collectors, they wished to be baptised.
“Exact no more interest, than the rate that’s been advised.”
To soldiers he had these words, “Be content with what you’re paid,
and no intimidation, nor extortion – to be saved.”
The people were expectant; perhaps the Christ could be this man?
John knew that he must tell them, that this was not God’s plan.
John told them that repentance, humility and work,
prepared them for the future, so their duties not to shirk.
For He would soon be coming, more powerful than John,
and John not fit to carry, the sandals He had on!
The purpose for His coming, from which He’d never tire,
Was to baptise all the people, with the Spirit and with fire!
The threshing floor He’d clean, winnowing fan in hand.
The barn would store His wheat, the chaff burnt with fire-brand!
We always need reminding, so complacent we’ll not be.
For Christ loves all His people, and wants us to be free.
We also await His coming, we’ll never know just when.
We always must be ready, when Jesus comes again. Cjs.
Isaiah foretold someone would precede the Christ and John was he.
John prepared us for the coming of the Saviour.
Are we prepared for His second coming?