Reading
Luke 7:24-30
24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)
Comment
Three times Jesus asks those who follow him the same question, some with sincerity of heart, others with curiosity or malice: «What did you go to see?» (Lk 7,24.25.26).
The desert, a place of penance and a place of temptation, has converted tax collectors and sinners but has hardened the hearts of the doctors of the law. The latter despised God's plan (v. 30), refusing John's baptism of conversion. Anyone who does not recognize the forgiveness offered by God cannot renew his life in Christ.
Jesus identifies John the Baptist with Elijah, whose return to prepare the way for the day of the Lord had been announced by the prophet Malachi (Ml 3:1-23). The voice of the forerunner urges us: «The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!» (Mk 1:15). Converting involves turning our gaze away from our little "ego" to turn it to God. "Those who look to him are radiant" says the Psalmist (Ps 34:5). In the rediscovered communion with God, we can receive life in abundance (Jn 10:10).
The old covenant, which finds its greatest fulfillment in John, is superseded by the new covenant (v. 28). The baptism of purification in the Jordan is a first step towards the total purification brought about by the passion and death of Christ.
Going into the desert means becoming aware of ourselves, not refusing to face our limits. A prophetic voice resounds in the deserts of our existence, solitudes, failure, hunger, and thirst for justice. This can become an opportunity to encounter God's love for us.
Prayer
Awaken our consciences, o Lord, so that we may recognize the voice of your Spirit and quench our thirst at the fount of your mercy, which flows like a spring in the desert.
- Rev. Dr. Luca Vona
