“What must we do?” (Luke 3:10)
Crowds ask it. Tax Collectors ask it. Soldiers ask it.
People who have been touched by the words and actions of John the Baptist, moves them to want to know what sort of life they ought to live consequent to their having been baptized by John.
- PEOPLE ask, “What must I do?” (v. 10). John answers, that they must share – share their tunic with one who has none. Share their food with one who has nothing to eat.
Conversion doesn’t remove us from the world. Rather, it produces a better human living in the world. Conversion is witnessed through the positive impact of the one who has encountered God’s mercy.
- TAX COLLECTORS ask the same question, “What must we do?” (v. 12). John the Baptist tells them to be good tax collectors. That is, be honest and don’t exploit people, take only what is needed.
- SOLDIERS ask the same question, “What must we do?” (v. 14). John tells them not to abuse their authority, not to intimidate others and to be content with what you have.
John doesn’t ask those who come to him for baptism to step away from whatever role they have in society. He tells them to live their role in society well, to live as they should.
Our Christian Faith does not call us away from our roles. Rather we are to perform our tasks whole heartedly, charitably, generously, gratefully, powered by God’s love and mercy, our tasks is to make it BETTER for others. Our task opens the door of faith to the world so that the world in which we live becomes a better place for everyone.
