Last week, we encountered John the Baptist, the last of the great prophets, the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, the Precursor of the Redeemer. The countless people who heeded his message and submitted to his baptism of repentance all posed the same question: “What should we do?” Saint John’s response to the crowds, the tax collectors, and the soldiers is one we should take to heart…a response that should be part of our examination of conscience in preparation for Christmas.
To the crowds, Saint John says, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And who ever has food should do likewise.” It is a call to be openhanded, generous in our charity. One reason for the lack of justice in the world is an insecurity that seeks to hold onto possessions rather than giving generously. Saint Basil said, “The bread you store up belongs to the hungry; the cloak that lies in your chest belongs to the naked; the gold that you have hidden in the ground belongs to the poor.”
Saint John Chrysostom reminds us, “The rich man is not the one who is in possession of much, but the one who gives much.” We should never turn a deaf ear to the cry of those who are weak and helpless.
The Baptist also responds to the tax collectors who were notoriously corrupt. Many were extortioners putting false tax values on goods and then offering to lend the money –with high interest rates to those unable to pay. To them he says, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” In other words, stop taking advantage of others, be just, upright, and honest in your business and in all your dealings with others.
Finally, Saint John gives a straightforward response to the soldiers. He was not intimidated by their authority and the fact that they were armed! We should not think of the soldiers of that time as the respectable service men and women we admire today. No, the soldiers of that time were reckless, tough bullies who used their authority and power to their own advantage, to dominate others. They were also known to be an unhappy lot disgruntled with their pay. To this tough and sullen group, Saint John says, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone and be satisfied with your wages.”
Saint John calls them and us to the right practice of their authority and power. A disciple uses the gift of authority as an instrument of love in service of others. Our Lord says that he came to serve and not to be served. Those who would be first shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” I once read, “If serving is below you, then leadership is beyond you.” How do we use any authority granted to us?
“What should we do?” asked the crowds. Saint John with his characteristic bluntness, gives them and us a powerful response to what true repentance involves: Do works of justice! Share and be fair!
