As we enter Advent’s second week, the message of St. John the Baptist rings forcefully from the pages of Scripture into our ears and hearts. This Sunday’s Gospel contains St. John’s challenging message of repentance. Though his message was strong and disquieting, St. John attracted many people. Perhaps it was because they knew that what he was saying was true. In Jesus’ times, much like our own, there was widespread need in society. In the Old Testament, through the prophets, God instructed His people to act justly, to protect the vulnerable and to worship God alone. Yet, we know that they often disregarded His message, acting selfishly, taking advantage of those in need and substituting the worship of idols for that of the one, true God. St. John, the last of the biblical prophets, made it clear that the promised Messiah would soon come and that the people had to get their lives in order immediately. There was no more time to put off conversion. There was not a later moment to begin to act in justice towards those in need. This is why he was so forceful with those who were complacent. People came to see St. John because they recognized the truth in what he was saying. This Sunday’s gospel reminds us that all of us have a yearning for truth in our hearts. We have an innate ability to recognize deception and we don’t like it. Truth is liberating and a cause for joy…even if the truth hurts. This Advent, let us rejoice in the truth of the Father’s love for us as we are, yet always calling us to grow in faith, hope and love. In Christ, Fr. Michael