The main focus of Chapter 3 is John the Baptist. We move quickly from his birth to his ministry in the wilderness. The other day at Church someone was asking me why he spent the majority of his life in the desert / wilderness. The best answer I have is that there was a community of people who thought the temple priesthood was so corrupt, that they moved to the desert to begin anew. These people were called the Essenes and sought to return to the time of wandering, when Israel followed God completely for 40 years before entering the promised land. John's parents joined this group, which was interesting since his father, Zechariah was a priest in the Temple. Something must have happened - we're not sure exactly what, but Zechariah and Elizabeth felt that God was calling them to another way of life, so they left what they knew, with all of its security and predictability, and moved to the desert. There John grew up, and eventually became a very large presence and spokesperson.
John's message of repentance was both harsh and simple at the same time. He called people a "Brood of Vipers" and admonished them because of the coming wrath. Then, he would instruct them to share what they had. If you have two coats, share with someone who doesn't have one. If you have extra food, give it to someone who doesn't have any. John was telling people not to hoard, but to do something good for their fellow human beings.
Lately I've been re-reading The Anatomy of Peace by the Arbinger Institute. It will form the basis of adult education in January. One of their key concepts is to honor those senses we all have to do something good for another person. When we betray that sense - treat it as invalid - more often than not human beings will come up with all kinds of judgements and justifications to rationalize why they didn't do the good they initially thought they should do. That concept reminds me so much of John's message. Give an extra coat to someone who doesn't have one. Give extra food to someone who is hungry. Do good for your fellow human being.
You would think that would be inspiring, but this simple message of doing good and following the law did get John into trouble. When he spoke out against Herod the Tetrarch, he was immediately put into prison. Resistance to goodness remains strong when people are asked to restrain themselves, or limit their power.
Chapter 3 ends with the baptism and genealogy of Christ. In contrast to power protecting itself, the mindset there is one of pure love. When Jesus was baptized we hear the voice of God the Father, "You are my son, my beloved, with you I am well pleased." This voice was accompanied by the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus in the form of a dove. This tender image shows the love, affection, and affirmation constantly passed back and forth between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Gospel is the gift that invites you and I into this same community of love - the thing that is on the other side of all the repentance.
Luke is an excellent way to prepare for Christmas. I'm so glad to be going on this journey with you.
Peace,
Fr. Conor+
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