John the Baptist needed no introduction to the Jewish Christian communities that were Matthew’s original audience. In fact, there is evidence that his influence extended far beyond the Jordan locality and the times of his life and preaching — his disciples turned up many years later in Ephesus as witnessed by Acts 19:1-5. The Gospels intentionally portray John in a way that resembles Elijah (see 2 Kgs 1:8) to show that he continues, in fact completes, the prophetic tradition.

Listen to the proclamation of John with fresh ears. The word "reform" is so much a part of our religious vocabulary that we can easily shortcut its meaning. John speaks of reform in terms of road building, a scene we can identify with today. Both the need for good roads in order to give access to all places remote as well as near, and the planning and labor that go into their building and repair, can tell us of the necessity of reform as preparation to allow the Lord to enter our lives. And the kind of work required gives us a strong image — clearing the debris of worldly attachments that hinder access, as well as widening the path of welcome to the Lord. Put yourself in the place of the people who approached John the Baptist. Why did you come? How hard is it to confess your sins? What does bathing in the Jordan river mean to you? Who are the Pharisees and Sadducees, and why would John speak so harshly to them? Do we deserve those words too?

Repentance — turning one’s life around — comes from the individual person’s intention, but only God can complete it by offering entry into a family relationship with him. The Holy Spirit and fire, along with harvest winnowing as an image of judgment, speak of God’s power to accomplish what John’s preaching and baptism can only allude to.

The work of the Holy Spirit goes beyond individual desires for personal salvation. Reconciliation even of deeply divided antagonists is the fruit of the Spirit in the fullness of God’s kingdom. This reading compels the Christian to share in the spirit of reconciliation, and to rise above a self-centered concern with only his or her own righteousness. God’s kingdom is not brought about until all people are at peace with one another.

This coronation song extols the qualities of the ideal monarch, whose reign is the sign of God’s reign. Of course, then, it speaks of Christ. Response: "Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever."

Second Reading: Romans 15:4-9

This reading brings Isaiah’s prophecy into the time of Christian fulfillment. Reconciliation of all peoples is the meaning of Christ’s mission. God is to be glorified only by one heart and one voice rising from humankind. The unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ is a symbol that impels us to promote the same unity in Christ among all people, overcoming barriers of distance and prejudice.

1. What does John the Baptist’s detachment from everything people consider essential to "good living" signify? Who are some contemporary prophets who convey the same message by their way of life?

2. What does God’s reign mean? How can we translate it into today’s language?