The Breugel painting attached is a late medieval vision of the scene where many people flocked out of the cities to go see John the Baptist, a small figure dressed in brown in the middle of the painting who nevertheless commands attention.
On the third Sunday of advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday (Rejoice Sunday) we hear in the Gospel (Luke Chapter 3 10-18) that many people were going in to the desert to see John the Baptist.
They were driven by a combination of curiosity and spiritual searching. John was a dramatic figure and became an attraction, a celebrity. His message of repentance was adored by the people and hated by those in power.He ate locusts and honey, and dressed only in rags, living outside society’s norms in order to point out its hypocrisies and falsehoods. His purpose was to communicate in words and actions that something great, stupendous, and earth shattering was about to happen. He
was telling people to get ready for the arrival of the Lord.
Unsurprisingly people asked John what they should do to prepare. John tells them something somewhat surprising. “Anyone who has two tunics, should give one away”. In other words, John does not only ask for an interior change in their hearts. He does not only ask them to pray, or go to
the temple.T hey are to give to the p
Advent is a season of waiting but also of doing. When we are full of joy at the imminent arrival of Jesus Christ, we naturally and rightly want to share that joy concretely. Having received a great gift, we want to give. Psychologist have explained that it is because we are loved, that we love others.
Charity is a word associated in our minds with organisations and appeals for money. But the word is actually the Latin word for love. As we await Christmas and the entry of Pure Love into the world, we rejoice by loving others. Our hearts over flow. We intuitively understand this about Christmas, but it is important to remember that the best way to prepare for Christmas is to give our love.
Remind pupils and ask them to reflect on pone or more of these If John the Baptist arrived in Bebington today would I go out ot see him? Who do I want to go out
and see/ Why? What is the message I am hoping for and responding to ?
Where have I received love, and how do I give love?
Jesus is good news. Each of us is loved infinitely and completely just as we are. God is with us, he is for us.
He rates us. How can I respond to this?
Christmas is a time when we become more aware of love. What can I do to love people who do not receive much love, or feel unloved?
