Scripture:John the Baptist is preaching about repentance:‘And the crowds asked him, ‘So what should we do?’ He replied ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and the same goes for anyone who has plenty of food’. Even tax-collectors came to be baptised, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ He answered ‘Collect no more than the amount which is due’. Soldiers also asked him, ‘And what about us, what should we do?’ He said ‘Don’t extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages’.’ (Luke 3.10-14)Reflection:John tells the crowds that repentance is not just about regret for past wrong actions and attitudes, but involves radical changes in life style. Significantly, he does not tell the hated, despised tax collectors or the greedy, bullying soldiers to change their jobs, but to be changed themselves. He teaches them that whatever their daily work, they honour God by doing it honestly and with integrity.Whoever we are, whatever our situation, our work, our character, our abilities, these words are for all of us. God is honoured not only in grand projects and endeavours, but in the practical working out of our faith in the ordinariness and the challenges of every day life.Revd Rosemary
