Thursday, February 11 John said to the crowds… Bear fruits worthy of repentance. 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 baptized, 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 accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.’
Prayer Lord, make me according to thy heart. Amen.
Luke 3: 7-14 Words matter. Scripture is our authority. Today’s text is prefaced by the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord. . . .” Lent brings us closer to the life of Jesus. His public ministry is linked to John the Baptist, a kinsman. Dressed in camel skins and surviving on wild honey and locusts, John lived in the wilderness. The crowds who came to the Jordan for baptism loved John for the enemies he dared to make. He used powerful words. His words drew crowds to hear of a coming judgment and the need for a baptism of redemption. John’s most pointed words were directed to the religious and social classes. He called them a “brood of vipers.” His call to conversion had a social message: “He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and, he who has food, let him do likewise.” Participating in the baptism was not enough for John. It was necessary to “bear fruit that befits repentance,” beginning with the practice of justice and mercy. The question of the crowd speaks in our voice: “What then should we do?” Just as we each are uniquely placed in God’s world, our response in faith will be unique as well. John, the forerunner to share the message of justice, knew he would be judged by the king. How do you work out your salvation from the vantage point of the baptism of redemption? - Anonymous Prayer by Brother Lawrence
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