The figure of John the Baptist in today's gospel is described as one who “preached good news to the people.” We don't often think of John the Baptist as having a strong pastoral presence, speaking in kind tones. He seemed more reprimanding than forgiving. Yet, the gospel ends with this message about good news—the good news of God's mercy and love revealed in the Son.
It is a message of hope we carry into our Advent prayer and observances. We listen for good news when it seems there is far too much bad news. One has to search to find some positive news in the media. Like John the Baptist, we are preachers of good news, not only by our words, but by our actions. Our faith has been formed by good news.
I don't know if it is different this year as we approach Christmas, but it seems we have received much more in donations this year than in previous years—donations of food, blankets, clothing, hats, gloves, and coats. Thankfully, our generous volunteers have been very helpful sorting these donations to be given away. And there has been a generous response to our Christmas appeal, as well. I see this generosity of spirit and find there is good news to share.
In a time when we hear news of economic hardship, reports of domestic violence, prolonged war, and soaring health care costs, our actions just might stir up some good news for those waiting to hear some!
Collectively, in our words and actions, we preach the good news of God's love, healing, and compassion, of God in our midst. Like John the Baptist, who pointed people to the Lamb of God, we point to the good news of God's presence revealed to us in Jesus.
Baptism is also a theme of today's gospel. John speaks of baptizing with
water. It is a reminder of the need to seek personal renewal during Advent, to prepare again a place within where we experience Jesus' forgiving and healing presence. As the days grow shorter, darker, colder, while a church prepares for the birth of God's light and lasting peace, we seek new life and spirit.
The gospel text bridges the gift of baptism with the call to act with justice and righteousness. John gives practical instructions about what those who are baptized are to do—to offer clothing to the poor, food to the hungry; to be honest; to act with integrity; to show compassion and regard for others; to be satisfied with what one has. John's call to repentance was not only about making one's relationship with God right, but with one's neighbor as well.
It is that time of year of mindless excess and consumption. Today's gospel offers an alternative. We observe an Advent of mindfulness and patient expectation—to open our hearts to listen to the good news, to seek renewal of Spirit, to invest time and energy in relationships. We take time for our prayer and attentiveness to God’s gift of presence. We seek to find healing through the gift of God’s forgiveness. We are intentional in our compassion and care towards others. Meanwhile, we wait with joyful anticipation for God’s light and peace to fill our hearts.
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