Alert to New Fruit

“Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.” — From Matthew 3:1-12

We know we are fully into the Advent season when we encounter the endearing cry to attention from John the Baptist, who calls those who seek him in the wilderness “you brood of vipers.” To say John doesn’t suffer fools gladly is an understatement. He refuses complacency or easy answers as a response to his call to repentance.

Repent, which just means to turn or change course, is something we do regularly through our faith journey. Sometimes, we turn intentionally. Other times, turning happens from outside experiences that disorient us. To turn is human. When we choose it, perhaps it feels less threatening. But when we are disoriented by things outside our control, sometimes I find God more palpably present.

At the heart of this turning, whether of our own choosing or not, John is inviting (maybe demanding) that we don’t let it go to waste. If we are in a place of reorientation, are we allowing the transformation that will eventually bear fruit? Fruit doesn’t show up on day one of the change. It is something we can only notice over time. My Christmas cactus is quietly starting to show buds, so I know the flowers are on the way. Each bud is proceeding at its own pace; they will not all flower at the same time, and some will not flower at all. Just like when we begin noticing the signs of growth, however small, we are living lives worthy of God’s transformative love.

It is easy to stay in places of comfort and stop discerning whether our lives are bearing fruit. Advent is a season of stripping away distractions and more fully reflecting on what is fruitful. What relationships or uses of your time might need to be reoriented? Are they bearing fruit, or are they simply patterns you’re accustomed to? Asking ourselves these questions with real intention is not easy; I’d honestly rather just let the status quo keep on going most days. So, while John the Baptist is a bit rough around the edges, I’m glad for his call to attention in Advent. I do not want to presume I know where God is and will show up in my life. I want to remain open to the possibility that there are new signs of fruit in unexpected places each and every day.

The gift of the Incarnation is that God promises to be present in all human experience. So, honor your own life and find where it’s bearing fruit, and where a little paring down might be necessary. All that is good is not fruitful, and God wants us to be fully present to grace and mercy. Be alert, and search for those buds of emerging life.

Peace, Beth +