The Third Sunday of Advent
Prepare the way for the Lord. Read this week’s readings here.
Why Were Tax Collectors so Bad?
When we think of tax collection today, we think of the IRS and filing returns. Roman taxes were a bit different. Taxes were levied on products (goods) and property (land). There was also a poll tax. The Romans had a regressive tax policy, meaning the poor were taxed at a higher percentage rate than the rich. Often the aristocracy paid little or no tax. Citizens paid less than the occupied provinces did. Publicans (the tax collectors in the Bible) were local contractors in occupied areas who bid on the contracts to collect the tax, and they also bid on public building projects and other administration for Rome. Often they became rich by increasing rates even higher than the Roman levy and keeping the profit for themselves.
Were soldiers bad too?
Luke does not indicate whether the soldier asking the question was Jewish or Gentile. According to historical sources, there were Jewish men serving in the Roman army. Soldiers of any origin were looked down upon by the Jewish Pharisees, because they were working for the occupier Rome. The Sadducees a little less so, as the Sadducees were in favor of cooperation with Rome. Soldiers were not as well provided for as modern soldiers are, so plundering was a major source of wealth building if you were in the profession of war.
St. John the Baptist
All this political background sets up why St. John the Baptist’s preaching was so radical for its time. His message was for everyone, not just a select few. As a result, he attracted those who wanted a connection with God, but who were tossed aside by the local clergy who could have been bringing them to the Lord. He, instead of condemning people for their jobs, told them to “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” (Luke 3:13) He told the soldiers: “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” (Luke 3:13) He was preaching repentance and integrity in every day life, no matter what class, background or profession the people were.
Preparing for Jesus
John, with his practical and spiritual teaching, was getting everyone ready for Jesus to come. Charity and integrity are John’s teachings that we can apply even today. His humility is also something to behold. He is very quick to tell his followers that he is not the Messiah, and that the Messiah is coming. “John answered them all, saying, ‘I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire.'” (Luke 3:16)