Scripture Scribbles: December 15, 2024

the Gospel

Luke 3:10-18

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.”
Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him,
“Teacher, what should we do?”
He answered them, 
“Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.”
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.”

Now the people were filled with expectation, 
and all were asking in their hearts 
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying, 
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor
and to gather the wheat into his barn, 
but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Exhorting them in many other ways, 
he preached good news to the people.

the scribble

“… I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of His sandals…” John the Baptist humbly enlightened. “Pride is always going to be there,” I confessed. “You need to dig deeper to get at the root to improve,” Fr. Dan gently exhorted. A few phrases immediately jumped out in the Litany of Humility: the fear of being wronged, the fear of suffering rebukes, and the desire of being loved.

Scripture and the saints provided additional wisdom. “If we were truly humble, nothing would change us... If someone were to criticize us, we would not feel discouraged...” (St. Mother Theresa) “Perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18) My love and that of others was not perfect. Desiring to be loved imperfectly by looking to other people and things wouldn’t satisfy.

The digging uncovered a layer of insecurity. Coupled with my sensitive nature, I was very frail. If I did not desire this earthly love and was completely empty, only then could God fill me with His perfect love. “I am who I am in the eyes of God, and nothing more.” (St. Francis) My security should come from knowing that I am a priceless (worth dying for) beloved daughter of God. Jesus, help me renounce my pride and be filled with You. Replace the root of my insecurity with the root of your love. “… that Christ may dwell in your hearts... that you, rooted and grounded in love … may be filled with the fullness of God.” (Eph 3:17-19)

Today’s devotion was written by Karen Molvar