To John the Baptist

Indeed, before the holidays everyone heads to the supermarkets – on weekends it's even hard to find parking at the big shopping centers. Many are seized by a fever of buying new things and Christmas gifts. It doesn't matter that there's no room left for all these purchases – it's about the pleasure of buying and spending money, because then we feel that something depends on us.

But look at the events from today's Gospel passage. Interestingly, people of that time had already had enough of this lifestyle where commerce and business are at the center. That's why they begin going out to the desert to seek Saint John the Baptist.

What was so fascinating about this extraordinary prophet? He wore clothing made of camel's hair and only a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. So he didn't need any shopping to be happy. What's more, he was able to cheer up the people who came to him, because he gave them hope.

Did he tell them something extraordinary? No – he only encouraged them to read Sacred Scripture, and he himself defined himself as "a voice that conveys the word of God." He told people that they should prepare – not for more pre-Christmas shopping, but rather they should prepare their hearts for the coming of the Lord.

Aren't these words relevant for us, people of the 21st century, as well? Of course they are! In the period before Christmas we are to prepare our souls to receive the holy sacraments – above all through participation in Advent retreats, a good confession, and receiving Holy Communion.

We must admit that we are not a sinless tribe, but rather people deserving of God's wrath, because it's easy for us to forget about spiritual matters, and we think only about material things. We must finally understand that the task of a converted Christian is to bear good fruit in the form of words and deeds full of mercy. We should forget about our greatness and stop putting ourselves at the center, in order to finally place love of God and neighbor above all else.

Things and material goods will quickly pass away – which we are aware of. The axe of time is also laid to the root of our life. We will not live forever – this is an inexorable fact that should awaken us from the lethargy of endless shopping and unnecessary activities.

Inevitably the Lord's fire will also reach our body and soul. And what will we say then? Will we grasp – like John the Baptist – the One who is stronger than him, who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire? Do we possess in our storehouses imperishable goods, or rather only useless chaff that will be burned in unquenchable fire? God forbid. Amen.