Making the effort to convert

When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to talk to the people about John. ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Oh no, those who go in for fine clothes and live luxuriously are to be found at court! Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says: See, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare the way before you. ‘I tell you, of all the children born of women, there is no one greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he is. All the people who heard him, and the tax collectors too, acknowledged God’s plan by accepting baptism from John; but by refusing baptism from him the Pharisees and the lawyers had thwarted what God had in mind for them.’  (Luke 7, 24-30)

Sinners aware of how low they had fallen, sought the Baptist to obtain the strength to change their lives, that is, the strength to convert. On the other hand, those who felt they were good people, did not seek John the Baptist nor did they seek and follow Jesus. We should all take care not to feel so hypocritically righteous that we stop following Jesus, the only One who can save us from everything and everyone. Tonight, let’s reflect in-depth on last week, perhaps with the help of a thorough examination of conscience on the ten commandments. And since we are close to Christmas let’s go to a priest to confess our sins.