Many scholars agree that Sunday's passage comes from "Q," the earlier Jesus tradition that both Matthew and Luke had access to. It may contain historical memory from the community of John the Baptist which--many forget--included Jesus and several of Jesus's companions.
When people ask me who helped shape Jesus’s faith, I say, "John, and Mary of Nazareth." For this post we focus on John. Next week, we will talk about Mary.
The Baptist, like the prophets before him, did not pull punches. He calls everyone to repentance; to change direction and follow God's way of justice. He calls religious leaders snakes, challenges tax collectors to stop taking advantage of poor people through excessive taxation, and orders soldiers to stop harassments and violent extortion of the masses. He tells those who have two tunics to share one with those who have none. And those with food to share with those who have no food.
My favorite part of the passage is how John addresses those who think they do not need to repent or change their ways because they are God's "Chosen," that they're God's favorites. John basically tells them, "God can make God's children out of a pile of stones."
John's message remains relevant and powerful today. We need to repent. And repentance means doing, not thinking, nor praying: specifically it's doing acts of justice. Or we face God's wrath. Every one.
We all need to repent!
#Advent2021
#IAmWithJesus
#JusticeForMyanmar
#FreePalestine
#EndTheCultureOfImpunity
#ChooseJustice
#UDHR2021
*image "John the Baptist preaching in the desert," mafa054 from vanderbilt divinity library
