Nearly everyone can remember times when we did something seriously wrong and expected an angry reaction, but received instead a kind and gracious response. We expected punishment, and received kindness in its place. This experience may help us understand the first reading from the seventh-century prophet Zephaniah, who announced that the Lord who had been forced withdraw from Zion (Jerusalem) by its inhabitants’ sins, would no longer protect it. But our reading says another day has dawned. The people repented and the Lord relented.
The Lord delights now to be among his people again and the prophet invites them to rejoice in the Lord’s presence among them: “Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty savior, he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love. He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.” What a surprise! God singing, rejoicing to be with his beloved people again.
We usually imagine John the Baptist as a severe and joyless prophet, the opposite of the joyful Lord entering Zion. But John is not always harsh. In today’s gospel, he meets people where they are, laying out for them a way of living that can guide us today. As he announces the coming of the Lord, the crowds ask him, “What should we do?” That’s our question too as we, like John, wait for the Lord during Advent.
John does not disappoint. He does not simply give a one-size-fits-all answer, but respects the individuals to whom he is talking. He first advises two actions that can be done by anyone, especially appropriate for those waiting for the Lord to come: “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.”
Then he speaks more specifically, first to tax collectors. Tax collectors customarily took as their pay a percentage from what they collected. John accepts that custom, but tells them to keep their percentage reasonable. Then he turns to the soldiers. They alone possessed weapons and had publicly recognized authority, meaning they could get away with violence and exploitation if they wished. John tells them to be satisfied with their wages and not shake down people.
What is attractive about John here is that he is specific about what the people should do to prepare to receive Jesus. And he does not mind playing second fiddle. He is modest. He is aware that some people think he is the messiah, but quickly brushes aside that potential glory and points to Jesus instead. He gladly assumes the role of proclaimer, not messiah, and in so doing leaves us with a message as we too await the coming of the Lord at Christmas.