What Shall We Do?

And the crowds asked him (John), “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.” Luke 3:10-14

Sharing has always seemed like basic nature to me. I grew up in a large family and a clergy family at that. We shared our beds, our food, our time and our musical gifts and labor. It was a normal way of life especially as a Cherokee child, we never let anyone starve or go without, even if we had to go without for them.

John is baptizing in the wilderness and many have come to be saved and to prepare their hearts for the Messiah who is coming. John has announced the coming of the Christ and they are convinced. And they want to be prepare spiritually and physically. John responds with the most simple and basic of heart and soul changing exercises - sharing. Give up what you have so another might live is John's recommendation for spiritual transformation and salvation.

Today, here at the House of Bishops, I wonder what God is calling me to share and offer in this place? And I wonder what Jesus is inviting us to let go of so that we might all be transformed and saved? Maybe it is our egos and our collective self-assurance, or maybe it is our wealth and our securities. Today I pray that God may enlighten us all and open our hearts to the needs around us that we might be servants of God's justice and salvation in this place and in our time.