Luke the evangelist and Rules of Thumb, Journey of Faith

Luke the evangelist returns today with what I like to call “Rules of Thumb.” His storytelling centers on the preaching—once again—of our friend John the Baptist who was asked by a restive crowd what people should do to prepare for the Messiah.

John answers them, not as a politician but as a missioner. If you have two cloaks, he says, share one with someone who has none. If you have extra food, give some to the person who has little. Even the dreaded tax collectors asked John for advice. These were predators who routinely bilked people with threats, keeping what they stole. John told them what they probably knew in their hearts: don’t exploit people or harm them; be satisfied with your wages.

“Rules of Thumb” come about when people recognize an injustice and commit themselves to ending it. What better time than Advent to take an inventory of the soul and decide how our baptismal call to serve can guide us in the New Year. Big reforms are always welcome but ending climate change or extremes of wealth may be beyond our personal reach. John the Baptist is saying small-scale changes are meaningful, too. Let charity, especially for the poor, help you do the hard work of day-to-day living.

Friend, when the crowds heard John preach, they were “filled with expectation.” We are filled with expectation, too, because we know the promise of the Christ Child is at hand. May the next two weeks be rich for you in prayer and preparation, and all the small gifts of caring and service that honor your call to mission.

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