http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120819.cfm
Bottom Line
What should the older brother hear?
John the Baptist preached a hard message, and yet people came from all around to the desert to “ditch their mess” – to repent of sin and make changes in their lives.
The Jewish leaders were another story – John called them a “brood of vipers,” and warned them not to depend on their birthright instead of making real, honest change.
You have a choice as well, to ditch your mess and allow God to transform it into your message, or to pretend that the message of repentance is for someone else and not you. Repentance produces fruit… will that fruit be visible to Jesus on the day of your judgement?
What should the younger brother hear?
There is something attractive about someone who isn’t afraid to be brutally honest with us, even when it’s hard – and that is who John the Baptist was. The brutal truth – and deep down you know it – is that your life is a bit of a mess, and things need to change… both for you and your family.
Jesus sees you, he knows you, and loves you, mess and all, and invites you to repentance. You can ditch your mess in the desert and make the changes necessary for God to begin producing fruit in your life. You are not alone! We are all in need of conversion and repentance. We can seek him together and let him make a message out of the mess of our lives.
Action Item / Challenge
Men: Join Exodus 90 starting January 12! Women: Encourage your man to do Exodus 90!
Questions
What do you think is attractive about St. John the Baptist and his call to repentance?
What does the fruit of repentance look like? Have you noticed evidence in your life or the life of someone you know of conversion to Jesus?
Repeat the bottom line
Your Mess + God = Your Message
