THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT C
WE ALL NEED CONVERSION
LK. 3: 10-18
MESSAGE
I used to pray fervently for the conversion of someone I saw as deeply flawed. My prayers went, “Lord, make this person better; help this person change.” There is nothing wrong with desiring transformation in others, hoping they grow into their best selves. In the Gospel, John the Baptist called for just that—a change of heart, an alteration of behavior, and a renewal of life. He urged the people: “Be generous and share without fear. Respect others and do not oppress them. Focus on your duties and let others fulfill theirs.” In preparing the way for the Messiah, John proclaimed with conviction that true conversion is possible with God.
But I imagine John also recognized his own need for conversion. It was not just “others” who required transformation—he held himself accountable as well. While preaching repentance, he humbly accepted that he too, needed renewal. He declared openly that he was not the Messiah, that he was unworthy even to serve Him, and that he too awaited the Spirit and fire the Lord would bring. John’s call to repentance ultimately pointed beyond himself to the Good News embodied in Christ.
Like John, when we pray for others’ conversion, we should also turn inward and examine our own hearts. During this Advent season, may we ask God to disarm us of pride, anger, envy, lust, and other vices. Let us strive to reflect the transformation we hope to see in others as we prepare to welcome the Lord.
REFLECT
Lord, transform the neighbor I see as full of faults and failures. But more importantly, transform me. Take away anything in my heart that blocks Your coming into this world. Amen.
