Image-i-nations

When keying in a text on the computer, it happens that we write a word incorrectly.
A red line appears under the faulty text and we know that a correction is required.

Practising a sport of any kind, we know from experience that we must sometimes change our technique.
A type of movement – a shot, a stretch or a sprint – may need to be corrected also.

As we travel to a certain place, we may suddenly realise that we have lost our way.
We need to turn back and take another direction.

We do it constantly and in all kinds of situations: correct, adjust, redress.
Why would we not do it with… our lives as Christians?

In a forceful manner, this is what John the Baptist calls us to do in today’s gospel (Mt.3:1-12).
He repeats that we need to REPENT.
The word may not sound appealing and what it asks of us may not appear promising.
Yet, we know that it happens that our lives need some correction and adjustment.

Another translation speaks of CONVERSION – literally this means a change of direction.
A turning back to find and take a new orientation.
It is as simple as that!
Simple? Yes. Easy? No.

But we are not expected to do this on our own.
God’s Spirit will enable us to take the direction leading us on the way of Christ.
In the 1^st reading, Isaiah speaks of this “Spirit of wisdom, insight and power” (Is.11:1-10).
He is always ready to help us if only we ask him to do so…

This is what it means to be a ‘follower of Christ’: walking as he walked in the direction he took.

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/2e-dimanche-de-lavent-annee-a-2019/

Source: Images: Free Bible Images   Resources for Catholic Education