10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.
11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”
13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.
14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”
He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”
15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
John the Baptist lived a radically simple and austere life and preached a clear, forceful and challenging message that would prepare hearts for the teachings of Jesus. His exhortations are still relevant today and his humble self-regard is a model for us, especially as we now draw closer to Christmas: only a week and a half to go! What acts of charity can we do? How much time can we spend in prayer and reflection, despite the frenzy of decorating, baking, shopping, wrapping gifts and sending Christmas cards? Can we put prayer time first and then get to these other things? Let's give some time to listening to John the Baptist, and select some of his suggestions, or just even one, to help jus experience a fruitful Advent.
Bro. Rene
Dear God, help me to make the best use of this last week and a half of Advent, so that spiritually this might be the best Christmas ever. Amen.
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