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| In the latest edition of Rejoice in the Lord, Cardinal Tobin writes: The baptism of John is a symbol of the much more powerful sacrament that Jesus institutes, a baptism of unquenchable fire and the Holy Spirit. John preached a baptism of repentance. Jesus accepts what John has to offer and agrees to be baptized by him (Lk 3:21–22) in spite of the fact that he himself was sinless. In his Advent message, Pope Francis reflects on the “stern figure” that John portrays in the Gospel. The image of a wild man living in the desert and subsisting on a diet of locusts and honey probably doesn’t appeal to most of us who are used to gentler, softer lifestyles. The Holy Father points out that John’s more strident approach was necessary to expose the hypocrisy and self-indulgent behavior of the political and religious leaders of his day. John, after all, had the courage to “speak truth to power” when he confronted King Herod. The prophet who said, “I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals,” was a humble man who did not pretend to be anything more than who he was… Read Cardinal Tobin’s full newsletter in English or Spanish and please share it with your community. |