Is there someone in your life who tells you the truth, even when it is hard for you to hear? Whether they tell us about our newest hairstyle or clothing choice, a situation we are struggling with, or our perspective on an issue, everyone can benefit from tough love offered by a friend or family member who will tell us what we may not want to hear.
I have a couple good friends who I seek out when I want some objective truth; someone to tell me where I am out of line and how I need to adjust my actions or my attitude. I can always count on Jim or Christ to help me see what I have missed and where I need to look again at what I am doing. I am grateful for their honesty and insight, though sometimes what they have to say is hard to hear. It is tough love.
This week’s Gospel reading brings us a second Advent passage about John. He’s in the wilderness, baptizing people; calling them names and calling them to repent. In Advent, we often focus on how John points to Jesus, which he does here. But he also reaches out to the people with some tough love. When he sees people coming out to be baptized, he asks for more from them, insisting they don’t simply expect their lineage will please God. “Bear fruits worthy of repentance” he demands, urging them to act in ways that show they have changed direction.
Despite John’s harsh words, the people clearly seek him out. They’ve come to the wilderness for this ritual of washing from John. In response to his call to repent, they ask him, “What then should we do?” John’s answer comes straight from the heart of Jewish scripture and history: share with those in need, look out for your neighbor, don’t misuse power or take from others. Jesus teaches very much the same message. Nothing John is telling the people is new to them. Everything he is calling the people to is part of their tradition, part of what God has been calling the people to for generations. God continues to call the people to these very same things.
Are we noticing voices like John’s when we encounter them? What will we do with his tough love invitation to share love and compassion and justice? How do our lives reflect our connection to God and our commitment to my neighbor?
Now, finals week may not be an easy time to encounter John’s tough love invitation. Right about now, we would prefer to hear words of encouragement and support, to be reminded how much we have worked, and that we have the resources we need to make it through these challenges. Those things are true. Yet, even when we are worn out, we can take John’s insistent invitation to heart. We can notice ways we can shape our actions so they reflect our commitments to God and each other. We can care for people in need, share what we have, and use power appropriately, even when we are tired or overwhelmed or way too busy with everything.
John is out in the wilderness, calling the people names to get their attention and remind them of what they’ve been taught for generations. He shows up in Advent to get our attention and recall us to prioritize our commitment to God, each other. His tough love calls us to compassion, love and justice. Always.
Blessings to you through this finals week.
Peace,