Matthew 3:1-2,5-8,11-12 NRSVue
1In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”, 5Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him, 6and they were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins.
7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance,
11“I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I, and I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
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Further reflection
John has such courage. Here we see a man from the wilderness speaking from his heart, proclaiming the message God has given him. Does John have a message for me? The reign of God is close, so what changes might I make to belong in it? I pray that his message may not be wasted on me.
Lord, I have many faults. I can’t see my way to getting rid of them all. But at least let me become more tolerant of the faults of others!