Mt. 3: 1-12
We began our Advent journey with a theme: preparation for the advent encounter. If our preparations are authentic, we would realize that we are not worthy enough to have this encounter. Once we grow a little closer to God, we recognize our unsuitability; however, this is not a point of getting discouraged and giving up our efforts. It is a phase to pose and renew our life that we may be filled with greater strength to pursue our spiritual journey and achieve its final destiny.
Sometimes, we may be able to handle this awareness by ourselves, embarking a journey of self-renewal by oneself. Anyhow, there are times, we need the help of a spiritual master who can accompany us and guide us on this spiritual journey. Today’s gospel passage presents to us such a spiritual master, John the Baptist who prepared the people of Israel to encounter their long-awaited Messiah.
Why did people lend their ears to John the Baptist? I think the life of John the Baptist itself was a testimony to Jesus more than his words. John was a man fully focused and dedicated to the mission. John exhorted the people to repent and believe that the kingdom of God is at hand.
Where was John before his proclamation? Let us reflect along with the life story of John. We believe that there are three persons, who are born without the stain of original sin.. John was graced with this blessing because of his significant role in the salvific mission of Christ; being saved him from original sin means John is someone special like our blessed mother who is graced with the perfection of nature and grace. Then why did John spend his life in the desert, wearing camel skin, eating locust and honey, such an ascetical life? Though it was not necessary for John, he practiced what he preached. First and foremost, he prepared himslef for receiving Jesus into his heart, by spending time with the Lord, surrendering himself to God’s will and preparing himself to prepare the way for the universal redeemer.
His witness was so convincing that people came to receive the baptism of repentance. John had all the possibilities to proclaim himself as the Messiah but he remains as the humble servant of Messiah telling them that he would baptize them with the Holy Spirit. People came to John, confessing their sins and received the baptism of repentance. Now, let us try to understand this truth; When Jesus began his ministry, were they all convinced about the identity of Jesus as Messiah? And did they experience his holistic healing? The answer is a big no. Why? In today’s gospel, we see the Pharisees and Sadducees approaching John to receive the baptism of repentance, but their repentance was not genuine. Therefore, John warns them strictly. Nonetheless, were they convinced by John’s testimony? Who created all the troubles for Jesus during his public ministry? Who plotted to kill Jesus? Who made false accusations against Jesus and crucified him? Isn’t it the very same Pharisees and Sadducees, the religious leaders of his time.
Dear brethren as we continue our advent journey let us lend our ears to John the Baptist and seek, God’s grace to cleanse our inner self with true repentance that we may be able to receive Jesus into our lives and bear lasting fruits.