John the Baptist holds an important place in our Advent preparations.  For most of us, the most common instruction that we hear from John at this time is that simple “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.”  Fans of the musical “Godspell” recognize this as the opening and energetic song that the Baptist offers as he makes his way to the stage.  It captivates me as well!

But another instruction of John can hold another place of related significance for our learning from this herald of the Lord.

People have been listening to John preach and they want to take his message to heart.  Listen to the clear advice that he offers:

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” (Lk 3:10-11)

How many times will Jesus present that same instruction to his hearers as a love of neighbor (Mt 22:39), as a care for those in needs (Mt 6:1-4), as the point of a parable (like Lazarus and the Rich Man, Lk 16:19-31; or the Foolish Rich Man, Lk 12:13-21)?  The practice of the first Christians in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 4:32-35) highlights this same attitude.  Thus, right from the beginning of our faith journey, John prepares the way for conversion.

Others approach John and ask how they might live better.  Listen:

Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to John, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” (Lk 3:12-13)

Their fellow Jews often hated the tax collectors.  These individuals cooperated with the Roman authorities in imposing burdens upon their own people.  Categorized among the public sinners, they kept themselves separate from their Jewish neighbors. John does not tell these individuals to abandon their profession; he tells them simply to be honest in carrying out their task.  Yes, be tax collectors, but be honest men/women who carry out this responsibility without cheating or causing undue burdens for people.

Extraordinarily, even the dreaded Roman soldiers make their way to John and seek to know how to better themselves.  Again, John has guidance:

Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” (Lk 3:14)

Perhaps no one experiences more temptation to abuse than those who have power that finds its solid foundation in violence.  Soldiers could use their numbers and weapons to take advantage of conquered people.  Yet, John does not tell them to stop being soldiers; he invites them to be just and satisfied in this role.  In his evaluation, one can hear the kinds of actions that could characterize a greedy soldier: extortion, deceit, and bribery.  John calls them away from these practices to be good men in carrying out their given task.

For myself, I simplify the message of John in these situations.  I hear John saying, “Be the best version of yourself.”  These very practical words for the people of his time instructs them to prepare for the coming of Christ into their lives.  We, too, can only excel at being our best selves.  Jesus calls us to that same way of being.