And the crowds asked [John], “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’Luke 3:10-12
As a child in Sunday School, whenever I heard these verses about sharing my extra coat with those who had none, I would feel guilty. After all, I had two coats: one for playing and one for school and special occasions. Surely, I could give one of them away.
But, the more I contemplate John the Baptist as prophet, the more I realize that people may not have asked, “What should we do?” out of fear and guilt. They asked because they believed John’s message and were ready to participate in his mission to bring repentance and healing to a weary world. John made it uncomplicated. Share what you have, even something small. Be fair and compassionate as you deal with others, especially those weaker than or different from you.
That’s what Lutheran Congregational Services seeks to help individuals and congregations to do. It’s as uncomplicated as providing sponges for LDR cleaning buckets or socks for a Christmas Ingathering. It’s as compassionate as offering pots and pans for Refugee Resettlement welcome boxes or volunteering for Camp Noah, a day camp for children who have survived disasters.
In this reflective time of Advent, how can the fire of God’s Spirit within us help us show the light of God’s loving grace to the world? In what uncomplicated way can you participate in the mission of God to a weary world?
Loving God, help us notice the small, simple ways you invite us to participate in your grace-filled mission for this world. Thank you for these opportunities. Amen.
Rev. Paulette Obrecht is a pastor in Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod who serves as a hospital chaplain and on the Advisory Board of Lutheran Congregational Services.
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