And the multitudes asked John, saying, “What then must we do?” And he answered and said unto them, “He that has two tunics, let him impart to him that has none; and he that has food, let him do likewise... Extort no more than that which is appointed you… Extort from no man by violence, neither accuse any one wrongfully; and be content with your wages. With many other exhortations therefore preached he good tidings unto the people. Lk 3,

The word of the Baptist touched the hearts of people, does it touch our heart? His call to conversion and to start a faithful life to God, awakened in many a specific question: what should we do? This is the question that arises from us when we hear a call, or when we look at the life that overwhelms us and we do not know how to respond in a precise way.

The Baptist does not propose sacred rites, nor rules or precepts; he invites them to share by opening their heart to God, peering needs of the suffering, sharing what they have, “He that has two tunics, let him impart to him that has none; and he that has food, let him do likewise". What can we say, followers of Jesus, to this simple and human call?

The media informs us, instantly, about the world events. We hear about injustice, poverty, wars, insecurity of migrants, many situations which cause suffering... all this creates a feeling of solidarity with many men and women who are victims of such violence, and at the same time we feel the helplessness, what can we do? John the Baptist once again gives us the answer: "He who has two coats... whoever has food..." we simply have share what we have with others!

Pope Francis tells us: Let us open our eyes and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity, and let us recognize that we are compelled to heed their cry for help! May we reach out to them and support them so they can feel the warmth of our presence, our friendship, and our fraternity! May their cry become our own, and together may we break down the barriers of indifference that too often reign supreme and mask our hypocrisy and egoism!" (Misericordiae Vultus 15. Pope Francis)

Come Lord Jesus, revive in me the desire to share what I am and what I have! Texto: Mariela Peña Kipper, rscj. Adaptado de Pagola, J.A. El camino abierto por Jesús.Lucas. Madrid:PPC, 2012