Advent Word: Worthy

Why post an image of battered leather sandals to illustrate today's Advent Word 'worthy'? These sandals may be well made but they are not worth much.

 I've chosen this image because I see a link with the gospel reading used in many churches on this Sunday, Matthew 3: 1 - 12. It's about John the Baptist who prepared the way for the start of Jesus' ministry and may have worn sandals like these.

 In the New Revised Standard Version of Matthew 3: 1 - 12 the word 'worthy' occurs twice in the message John the Baptist gave to the religious leaders who came to him for baptism.

  • He tells them to "bear fruit worthy of repentance". In other words, it's no use saying you want to turn over a new leaf, to turn away from sin and return to God. Genuine repentance produces the good fruit of a changed life.
  • Then he announces that someone more powerful is coming after him. John the Baptist said, "I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Matthew 3: 11 NRSV

This post is for Advent Day 8, in the Advent Word Global Calendar 2019 that I am following and using each day's word as a trigger for a brief reflection to post on the blog.



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