Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever. (Psalm 71)
This Sunday, the Gospel of Matthew introduces us to John the Baptist very abruptly. In fact, we move from the dramatic events of Jesus’ infancy to his adulthood with no mention of his adolescence.
John bursts into the narrative with his famous call to attention: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.” John had drawn crowds to listen to his prophetic message, and many received his baptism of repentance.
Perhaps we should picture ourselves among the crowds. The religious elite doubt and question, but the simpler folk willingly believe and are baptized. Where would we stand?
Advent is a time for asking ourselves how ready we are for when the Lord comes into our lives, and not only at Christmas. Advent brings the deep realisation that the Lord has come and is already here with us. But the big question is: are we with Him?
