The preaching of John the Baptist: Matthew 3:1-12
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
I could hear someone shouting in the desert, ‘Get the Lord’s road ready for him. Make a straight path for him to travel!’
Who is this man who is shouting? No pomp and ceremony here! And he takes big risks, confronting the Pharisees and scribes with their hypocrisy. He challenges them to mend their ways, to walk on straight paths.
John challenges the people to act with integrity, to literally wash themselves clean as a sign of inner cleansing. No royal robes here, no banquets, but desert food and shelter. John cries out in the wilderness, and many people listen.
Pointing ahead, John shows the way to the Messiah, declaring that he is not worthy to even carry the Master’s sandals.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· John’s words and deeds speak the same language. He walks on a straight path. Do my words and actions tell the same story?
· Am I prepared to ‘live in the wilderness’ in order to hear God’s word?
· Do I take time to be in nature?
· Am I content to be a herald rather than a master?
· Am I ready to challenge bad behaviour?
Prayer
Lord, help me to set aside some time to spend with you in nature. Help me to embrace a simple life-style, rejecting luxury and pomp. Amen.