The handle is on the inside

Have you ever felt there is something more? In the Gospel for the second Sunday of Advent, John the Baptist as he is known, who is reckoned to be the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, is calling people to a complete change of heart – a new beginning. People are listening and flocking to him in a remote part of Judea. They are immersed in water by John signifying this new beginning. They see that goodness is lacking in their lives and really want to make a fresh start.

But for John this is a precursor to something far greater. John tells them there is one to come after him who will baptise not with water but the Holy Spirit. He warns the Pharisees and Scribes to be serious and prove it by showing the appropriate fruit.

Saying sorry is not the same as a change of heart. Advent is an opportunity to go deeper – who have I hurt, who am I not helping, who can’t I forgive? So what needs to change in me?

Repentance is a grace from God and so is the ability to change. Christ is knocking at our door – but the handle is on the inside.

Are we prepared show the appropriate fruit?