Some make lists, others don’t. Some panic, more focus. Certain people like a kind of flexible approach to every day, others plan it to extinction. But Christmas preparations can intrude into even the most chaotic or organised of lives. Even the Gospel question; “what must we do” may stir up our thoughts and mock our preparations.
Mind you it wasn’t mince pies or 101 turkey recipes on the minds of the Baptiser’s questioners. John avoids strong drink, but not strong words or straight talk, especially for the self-righteous and religiously respectable folks. John is God’s man. A man who dines on locusts and wild honey has no time for complacency or smugness. We can no longer live in the same old ways, guided by the old values.
‘Tis the season to be joyful on this Gaudete Sunday. Joyful mind you, not jolly. The joy of this season comes from a ready heart. Change is never easy and often painful, but it’s always worthwhile. John’s answer to tax collectors, soldiers and people is not some pious action. He points out that they will respond to the ways of God by being what they should be to their neighbours. So “what must we do?” We know the answer to that. Just do it.
(Comments to Tom at tomascox@eircom.net )