Readings and Themes for the Weekend of December 13, 2009

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of December 13, 2009,
Third Sunday in Advent

Reading I Zephaniah 3: 14-18a

The Lord will sing joyfully because of you.

Isaiah 12

"Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel."

Reading II 1 Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always, for the Lord is near.

Gospel: Luke 3:10-18

They all asked whether John might be the Christ.

THEME:
John baptized with water, but the Messiah will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Today John the Baptist reminds his followers that the nearness of the Lord should be marked by a sharing of food and clothing with the poor. This kind of behavior characterizes those who wait in joyful hope for the coming of the Lord. This is true joy: helping those who are most in need. Let today’s holy word inspire us to be a people filled with Christian joy.

Question for Children:

Why is it so important to keep promises which you have made?

Question for Youth:

What do you remember from stories about your Baptism?

What does your Baptism mean to you now?

Question for Adults:

How can you live the promise of your Baptism each day?