John the Baptist figures prominently in the readings during Advent as we prepare for Christmas. He points to Jesus and invites the people to see that Jesus is more than a teacher and more than a prophet. John makes clear that Jesus is the one they have been waiting for: the messiah who is going to change everything.
I am always astonished to read that the crowds made their way out into the wilderness to hear what John had to say and to take part in the ritual washing of baptism there. John called them names, used harsh images, and criticized their motivations and willingness to change. And yet, the people came and asked him what they should do. John’s answers are not remarkable. He said, if you have abundance, share. If you have power, don’t take advantage of people. Pretty straightforward.
John’s instructions are built on the foundation of his community’s religious thought: treat your neighbor how you would like to be treated. When we see each other as God’s beloved children it shapes how we act toward each other. If we live in ways that show respect, compassion, generosity and love, we are living in the ways God wants for us and everyone else in the world. It seems simple, but clearly living this way is incredibly difficult for humans when we forget to care about each other and become too focused on protecting or achieving ourselves.
The image John uses of grain and chaff is rich, but tricky. As John talks about the messiah gathering grain and burning chaff, it can be tempting to read John’s words as condemnation of some people and praise of others. However, each of us is a mix of chaff and grain, with attitudes and actions that are filled with potential for living out God’s vision as well as attitudes and actions that are useless (or counterproductive) for the world God is creating.
May God gather the attitudes and actions within us that have potential to feed and to grow and help us use them. May God help us let go of the attitudes and actions within us that are hurtful to others and the community, burning them away like chaff. May we hear and heed voices like John’s and may God use us to continue transforming the world.
Peace,