Jesus returns from Egypt and Matthew
whisks us away to the wilderness, where we meet John the Baptizer. Like Mark, John is an odd character, a bit like
that relative on your family tree who is a reclose and you are not quite sure
how to react to him/her/them. Yet, John
was also charismatic enough to get people off the couch, to stop surfing
Netflix, and come to the wilderness. John’s passionate pleading gets people to wade
in the water. John is not subtle, the whole “brood of vipers” in 3:7 isn’t
exactly going to win friends or influence people. As Jesus is baptized, we see God’s claim and
name of Jesus as beloved.
This is still your name when you are baptized. Note that baptism isn’t being ushered into
the “good life”. Rather Jesus is driven
(by the Spirit) into the wilderness where there is fasting and temptation. I think of St. Teresa, who while crossing a
stream, fell into ice cold water, drenching her. Teresa shook a fist at God (see even the saints
do that! You are not the only one). She cried out, “God if this is how you treat
your friends, no wonder you have so few!”
That story makes me laugh, but there is a kernel of truth that there is
no money back guarantee in faith. Faith
is not an equation where good deeds/right beliefs equal the good life. There are trials and temptations, there are
twists and turns that leave us disoriented and dizzy. There is a rollercoaster of life. Jesus experienced this and Jesus calls us as
disciples (or students) into this path that isn’t smooth as an interstate, but
as rough and rocky as climbing a mountain.
Sit with the truths of chapters 3-4 and let these words sink, settle,
sing and saturate your soul, heart, and life this day. Amen.
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