Sunday Reflection (December 15, 2019)

No doubt, like John the Baptist, we may wonder when that purging judgment will come (Matthew 11:2-6). I do admit that it is easier to wish that all those other evil people be purged than we ourselves be purged. Nevertheless, rather than violence, retribution, and judgment, the inauguration of God’s kingdom is about healing and embracing the poor and defenseless. It was not the purging many expected.

Jesus came not to fulfill our desires for a messiah, but to change our notion of what a messiah is like. While waiting, plant seeds in hope of harvest, and do what Jesus did: Help one another, defend the defenseless, embrace the poor, love our enemies, and yes, forgive. In due time the harvest will come.