After listening to the loudest voice of John the Baptist, the crowd realized their sinfulness, and hence asked for the practical way for conversion, to which he offered practical solutions that needed to be practiced: “Whoever has two shirts must give one to the man who has none, and whoever has food must share it” (Lk 3:11). Sharing of food and essentials was the first of conditions, and bribery that corrupted the society was condemned next: “Some tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what are we to do?’ ‘Don’t collect more than is legal,’ he told them” (Lk 3:12-13). The organized loot of those in power was condemned, and contentment was demanded to have a new, guiltless life: “Some soldiers also asked him, ‘What about us? What are we to do?’ He said to them, ‘Don't take money from anyone by force or accuse anyone falsely. Be content with your pay.’” (Lk 3:14). Let’s examine our lives in the light of our conscience, and walk toward a new path to His Kingdom. 

Abba, thank You for instructing us to stride into the way of Your Kingdom. Let Your Spirit give us strength to walk the new way, in Jesus’ Most Powerful Name, Amen.