In today’s Gospel we find the first mention of John the Baptist in the Bible. This is also the first time we hear of him in Advent. We will turn to him often throughout this Season, for he is the divinely appointed messenger sent to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.
John the Baptist is a fascinating figure. When he began his public ministry as a preacher in the desert of Judea, he attracted great crowds from all over the region, and he continues to intrigue us to this day. Preachers are not so uncommon, but a man who so obviously practices what he preaches, a man of austerity and evident authenticity, a man who speaks the word of God with courage and clarity and power – this is the sort of man who stands out! People cannot help but notice him, whether they like it or not. Prophets challenge and disturb us. They force us to face our conscience.
John is not afraid to resist the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Sadducees, the religious leaders of the day. He confronts them with very harsh words: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” We can imagine the look of shock and anger on their faces. This man calls everyone to repent and be baptized, but when we approach to do what he says, he attacks us and calls us names! They call him the Baptist – why won’t he baptize us? These religious leaders were used to being shown signs of respect, and they probably expected honorable treatment from John. The symbolic washing he was offering seemed like the popular thing to do, so they lined up for baptism too – but without any intention of changing their hearts. They were like the two-faced government officials of our own day who line up to be marked with ashes on Ash Wednesday, and who make sure someone snaps a photo of their show of holiness. John’s voice continues to pierce the conscience of everyone who claims to be pursuing holiness: “Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance!”
John is not being vindictive toward the Pharisees; he is being compassionate. He does not want the Messiah to arrive and find them unprepared. Such unfruitful “trees” were destined to be cut down and thrown into the fire. John knows the famous prophecy of Isaiah, who announced that when the Messiah comes, he will “strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, / and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.” John’s urgent mission is to rescue them before it is too late, to show them how to receive God’s great mercy. This mission continues as we ponder today’s Gospel, which warns us all to beware of the poison of hypocrisy. If our preparations for the coming of the Lord are merely for show, they make us less ready, not more.
Isaiah’s famous prophecy – which we pondered last Tuesday – tells us more about the Lord for whose coming we are preparing. The Lord will reconcile enemies and establish wonderful harmony. He will justly punish the wicked, and show mercy to the lowly and the poor. “He shall judge the poor with justice, / and decide aright for the land’s afflicted [the anawim].” The Messiah combines strength and compassion, justice and mercy. The Psalm says of him, “Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.” If we are well prepared, repentant, humble, and honest, the Lord’s coming is an occasion of joyful celebration. If we remain fixed in our hypocrisy and self-centeredness, we have reason to fear the Lord’s justice.
The message of John, which is also the message of Advent, is not one of fear but hope. St. Paul teaches in the second reading that “whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” God is rich in mercy; he is “the God of endurance and encouragement.”
All who turn to the Lord in faith can experience his merciful love. The only obstacle is sin, and God has already made it possible for us to be free of sin – not only symbolically as in the case of John’s baptism, but really, through the Sacrament of Baptism. Rejoicing in this gift, and continually renewing our commitment to live by it, we prepare for the Lord to dwell in us. When we fall, we can humble ourselves and return to him by making a good Confession. In all these ways, we “glorify God for his mercy.” By the power of God’s grace at work in us, we can “make straight his paths,” serve him with an undivided heart, and witness to him with simplicity, authenticity, and love.
In what areas of my life is the Lord calling me to deeper repentance, not just in word but in action? When do I tend to fall into the trap of outward religious appearances without openness to inner conversion? How has the voice of John the Baptist challenged and disturbed my conscience?
Excerpt from The Anawim Way, Volume 22, no. 1. More information about The Anawim Way may be found here.