Avoiding the Issue

Gospel: Luke 7: 31-35

The religious and political leaders of Jesus' day find fault with both him and John the Baptist, but their criticism is contradictory.  However, their stated criticisms in an attempt to dismiss John and Jesus are mere distractions from the real issue they have that goes unstated: they do not like the core message of repentance, and they resent the idea that they have anything for which to repent.  

This phenomenon exists among the rich and powerful of every age.  Rather than address the issue at hand and acknowledge the sins of the institution, an endless array of weak apologetic and strong distraction are created to level detraction against others while avoiding responsibility for themselves.  But Temples fall and empires crumble regardless.  The issue can only be avoided for so long.  

These powers of the world put John and Jesus to death, as if killing the messengers could eliminate the fact of their sins and the need for all to repent.  How often do we find ourselves in a similar posture? If we do, our remedy is to flee to the desert where our weaknesses will be laid bare, and where the cleansing waters of regeneration will make us clean once again.