Repent – bear good fruit Luke 3:7-14
Imaginative Contemplation
John said to the crowd that came out to be baptised by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance.
Do not begin to say to yourselves ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor,’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.
Even now, the axe is lying at the foot of the trees; every tree, therefore, that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’
And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’
In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise.’
Even tax collectors came to be baptised, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’
He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’
Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusations, and be satisfied with your wages.’
Enter into the scene
I had heard about this strange man and never thought I would meet him. However, last week I had a life-changing experience.
I decided to spend a day in the wilderness. I often do this, as being in nature helps me to calm and refresh myself. Without the distractions of the busy town, I can feel God close to me. Everything is very simple; I bring my lunch and a flask of water, I wear a hat and carry a walking stick. I take off my sandals and walk on the hot sand, sometimes stubbing my toes on the rocks on the path. The warmth of the sun on my back and the sting of the wind as it blows the sand into my face are all part of the desert experience. I love it!
Last week Joel and I decided to spend our usual monthly day in the wilderness. It was a pleasant morning, and we spent about an hour walking along a winding track which undulated across some low hills. We became conscious of someone yelling and wondered who it might be. Then we saw him, standing on a low hill and proclaiming in a loud voice. He had a Galilean accent and was very animated. We came closer to him, quite close in fact, and the wind was blowing in our direction. This made it easy to hear him, but it also aroused another sense. Who was this man who had such an odour about him? And what was the smell? Oh yes, Camels! But why did he smell of camels? Joel whispered to me, ‘This man is wearing a camel’s hide as a coat! Well, at least it will keep him warm!’
Who is this odd man? He didn’t pull any punches! Talk about politicians! This could beat all the accusations of pre-election rhetoric! Some people were moving towards him because he was offering to baptise them in the river not far away. You would think he would try to make them into loyal followers, but instead, he called them a bunch of vipers! But they were not put off by this affront. They seemed to relish his honesty and were ready to follow his demands. ‘Repent! And prove it!’ This is surely a straight path, no hidden agenda here!
He even attacked their heritage, claiming that the past was not something that guaranteed salvation. We have to live in the present, with our focus on the future. If our roots do not produce lives of virtue and care for our neighbour, they are like dead trees.
People began asking him what advice for better living he would give them, and he directed them to see the needs of their brothers and sisters and to provide the necessary help to enable all people to live in dignity and harmony. I was surprised to see some tax collectors there, and also some soldiers. This man had an answer for them all. He adapted his demands to the circumstances in which these men lived.
I said to Joel, ‘I wonder what he would say to me!’ And to my embarrassment, he turned to me and said ‘Continue to find peace in the wilderness. Continue to notice the needs of others and to help them with your presence and support. My name is John the Baptist.’
‘And my name is Sophie.’
‘Ah, wisdom! Pray that your wisdom be centred on God.’
He moved away, and we returned home, changed forever.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Where do I go to nourish my spirit?
· Do I judge people by their appearance?
· Can I accept the truth when I am confronted with it?
· What do I need to change if I want to follow Jesus more closely?
· What do I need to do for myself, for others, for our world in order to follow Jesus more closely?
Prayer
Lord, lead me into the place where I may meet you in the stillness of my heart. Enable me to hear what you are asking of me, and give me the courage to live as you would wish. Amen.