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Third Sunday of Advent

Readings of the Day 
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Last year, I came across an Internet meme that offered this simple,
two-step approach to evangelization: First, tell people that you are
Christian; second, don't be a jerk.

It made me laugh, but it also struck a chord. After all, don't
we all know someone who claims to be a Christian yet acts like
anything but a Christian? Perhaps, getting them (or even ourselves) to
stop acting like jerks would be a step in the right direction.

However, after reading today's Gospel, I realized that not being
a jerk is wholly inadequate. Take, for instance, the example that John
the Baptist uses of the person who has no cloak. A jerk might laugh at
that poor person. A person who is not a jerk might walk by without
laughing. Neither, however, has helped that poor individual; one has
just added to that person's misery while the other has ignored
it.

What is a Christian to do? As the Gospel tells us, "Whoever has
two cloaks should share with the person who has none." In other
words, we should help that person in need.

It reminded me of the Good Samaritan. You will recall that in that
parable neither of the people who walked by the man injured by robbers
acted like jerks. They just ignored him. As disciples of Jesus, we are
called to do more. We are called to help those in need. And, when
necessary, we must advocate on their behalf. Not acting like a jerk is
insufficient.

So maybe it's time to update that meme. Here is my new version.
First, tell people that you are a Christian; second, act like one.

Not a bad way to observe this Advent season.

Deacon Walter C. Ayres is Director of Catholic Charities Commission on
Peace and Justice in the Diocese of Albany, New York.

 




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