Teacher, what should we do? As we come to the halfway mark of the season of Advent, we are faced with this question: what should we do?
What should we do? Webster defines the word should as ‘used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness’. In some versions of the Bible, this statement is read as “What must we do?” or “what shall we do?” No matter how we choose to read this question, it remains to be seen that we are challenged by John to do something about our relationships with God and neighbor.
Then John answered this question for the crowds (who represent us, too!), to share of your abundance with others in need. For the tax collector (or employer, or owner of a business) not to collect more than was due, and for the soldier (one serving, or an employee) not to falsely accuse anyone and be satisfied with their salary.
When we reflect on this question, we may discover there are things we need to stop doing and things we need to start doing. We need to take time today and decide which it is in our life, and begin to do what the Spirit prompts us.
Etienne de Grellet wrote: “I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
WHAT SHOULD WE DO? WHAT SHALL I DO? WHAT MUST I DO?
Sr. Celeste Hupert, CSFN
