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.

Happy Advent “you brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” Soothing words from John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-12). John challenges us to change our attitude and way of life. True repentance produces noticeable results in our dealings with others. I am convinced that our spiritual lives are one of continual repentance because perfection always eludes, yet we should not give up because of God’s grace.

God works with us in spite of our imperfection, and give us the joy and hope of repentance. The present and future have the possibility of being different in that repentance grants us the opportunity to reshape our present and our future. If we become spiritually haughty, we diminish the chance o reshape our present and our future. May we not be snugly comfortable with the way things are. May we continually repent and make the world a better place.