That was John the Baptist's question for the crowd that had gathered around him. He called them a "brood of vipers" and yet they stayed to hear what we had to say. that must have been one charismatic guy!
This part of Luke's gospel was our Gospel lesson this past Sunday and the crowd's question has been with me all week. Here's the lesson.
Perhaps you've asked the same thing. After the death of a spouse or a parent? After a tragedy in your own life? When you've reached a fork in the road or gotten to the dead end of another? John's response is one I try to take when I am at one of those tough spots.
He answers the crowd by telling them to share what they have. I would do a little creative translating and add to that: to reach out to others. To move beyond our own needs, from beyond our despair and to reach out. To lend a hand. To check in someone without expectation of getting anything in return. To find a way to respect and honor those we might not ever think deserve it. John says tax collectors and soldiers who extort from people. You can add your own outcasts to the list.
This can be a season of despair for some. I hope it isn't for you, but if it is, reach out to others. Talk to someone you're close to, be honest. It's okay to not be okay. And if you don't have someone to talk to about it, call Beverly or me. We can help find, and even help pay for, an appropriate counselor. You're not alone.
Blessings. And see you in church this Sunday and Christmas Eve. And Christmas Day.
Hunt+
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