We hear in today’s Gospel that ‘people went out to him from all of Judea…’. John the Baptist was
obviously someone who could gather a crowd. There must have been something very
attractive about John and what he had to say. He was a man who lived simply; a
man not clouded by the non-essentials. Who in our world today do people flock
to hear? Who do we look to for guidance, for leadership, for hope? When the
religious leaders arrive to the River Jordan, John does not greet them warmly.
They have let the people down. He questions the fruit they have produced. It is
a reminder of the responsibilities that come with positions of leadership.
This second Sunday of Advent we are called to make
straight paths for the coming of our Lord. How we prepare is important. We are
waiting, and yes waiting can be frustrating. But waiting can also be a time of
growth, of inspiration, of dreaming big dreams and imagining the endless
possibilities that might come. We should try not to let go of that hope and
inspiration.
John appeals to the community who have gathered to
open their eyes, to take the opportunity that is at hand and deal with the
spiritual crisis which surrounds them. John is calling for a radical change of
heart. The decisive moment is coming where people must take a new path. What
can we do to help build communities where leaders produce good fruit? What can
we do to respectfully challenge those who do not? Today we pray that God’s
Spirit enlivens our heart, our work and our world.
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