Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 71(72):1-2,7-8,12-13,17
Romans 15:4-9
Matthew 3:1-12
PREPARING THE WAY
In modern times, people dress for effect, from pop stars to royalty, to make impressions—nothing new, as Queen Elizabeth I and ancient Caesars also did this. Did Saint John the Baptist dress to shock? We can’t be sure, but his appearance certainly drew crowds, wearing camel-hair garments and eating locusts and honey.
His message was bold—calling out religious leaders as vipers, urging quick repentance, and announcing that the coming Messiah will end corruption and nonsense. This clashes with Isaiah’s peaceful vision of animals living in harmony, signaling a kingdom overturning natural laws.
Yet, Isaiah also predicts a revolution; God’s justice will judge everyone with integrity, rewarding the poor and exposing dishonesty. The day of Christ’s coming is terrifying, as depicted in medieval art, but Paul urges us to hope. C. S. Lewis described heaven as a meadow so real it passes through your feet. During Advent, we prepare for the end—death, judgment, heaven, hell—through the sacraments like Reconciliation.
Confession may be uncomfortable, but it allows God’s forgiving love to penetrate our lives, aligning us with Christ’s truth, as trees bearing good fruit will be preserved, while others will be cut down.
Fr. Joseph Osho