A sermon on Matthew 3:1-12

By Fr. Mike Paraniuk
HCP columnist

For 10 years, I ministered as a drug counselor at the old Care Unit recovery center in Cincinnati. I learned so much not only about recovery but also about how to cope with life problems that make you ask, "What do I do now?" 

We taught what is called the "Valley Chart."

We used the letter "V" to show the downward road of addiction on one side and the upward road of recovery on the other side. The point of the V is where the one suffering addiction lands when they hit rock bottom. Here, they admit they have a problem and must "turn away" from the drugs that is destroying their life. 

They have no where else to go but to "turn to" the road of recovery which is the other side of the V. There is a word to describe this turning. It is called "repentance."

The Greek word for repentance, "metanoia," is actually a military word. It refers to an army going into battle, but they are going down the wrong road. The commander would then order "metanoia" to his men to change direction toward the right road. 

John the Baptist screamed out to anyone who would listen "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Matthew 3:20.) 

Sometimes, life puts you at the bottom of the V and you feel powerless. "What do I do now?" 

John would say, "When you have no where else to turn, turn to God!"  

The Kingdom of God is bursting forth. Take hold of its power. God wants to help you. Believe and receive. The joy of Christmas is that when we could not reach up to God, God reached down to us by sending Jesus.  

Jesus said, "But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Matthew 9:13.) 

Jesus is saying "Instead of offering sacrifices to me, I want you to be merciful to others. I didn't come to invite good people to be my followers. I came to invite sinners." 

I love this Bible verse so much I want it to be etched on my tombstone.

Jesus said comforting words to those at the bottom of the V. He desires compassion for those in distress. Christmas is such a difficult time for many people. 

I so dislike the Christmas song, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," especially the verse "It's the hap- happiest time of the year." 

It is not for many who have a chronically sick child, or skimping by to have enough money to get their kids Christmas presents, or the empty chair at the dinner table where a loved one used to sit but is no longer with you.

If you find yourself at the bottom of the V where there is no where to go but up, do not lose hope. 

God says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." This is the "Holy Spirit and fire" that John the Baptist mentions to those who follow Jesus.

Advent is the time when we wait for the return coming of Jesus. But we can't sit around doing nothing. Jesus calls his followers to be hope for those still climbing toward the top of the V of Victory promised by Jesus.  

I will always remember a most wonderful man whom Jesus used to bring hope to people in need. A customer visited Wilkin Insurance, where he met with Buck. He asked forgiveness because he couldn't pay his insurance bill. The man poured out the pain in his heart that he even didn't have any money to buy his kids presents for Christmas. It was the day before Christmas. Merchants Bank was still open.

Buck said, "I tell you what. I have some money saved at the bank. Let's go there, and I'll give you what I got. Buck himself did not have much money at that time, but he was willing to help this man in distress. The bank teller said there was $200 in his account. Buck simply withdrew it all and gave it to the man so his kids could have a good Christmas. 

Buck told me this story shortly before he passed to the Heavenly Kingdom. 

He said, "Helping that man was my best Christmas ever. To see the tears of joy on his face was the best present I received." 

I gave Buck the Last Rites. I told him he is very much loved. I said, "Go to the Light. Go see Jesus. Tell Jesus Fr. Mike said 'hello'." 

He laughed and then cried. My last memory of Buck was seeing tears on his face. He said, "It feels good to cry." 

I replied, "You will cry tears of joy when you see Jesus." 

Happy Advent. When Jesus comes back, may he find you busy at making others happy. 

Blessings...Fr. Mike.