Lectio: Luke 3:15-17; 21-22

The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Fire and water.  Judgment, love and acceptance.  I find myself skimming past the scene of the wheat harvest as quickly as I can, but I see and I settle on the elements.  I see water in baptism in the beginning and end; I see fire in the middle.  The water is peaceful; the fire is terrifying.

I read again, and I see that the story is framed by Luke saying that the people are looking for Messiah, and paying attention to the signs they found around them.  John’s message perked up their ears, even if it was hard.  The unexpected was at hand.  John deflects interest away from him and goes deeper.  He’s not The One, but when water turns to Spirit and fire, a swift harvest will happen.  Wheat, ground, fire.  The people were baptized.  Water again.

And now Spirit, visiting Jesus in peace and in encouragement.  Father God’s voice lands as well; in the water Jesus has not Spirit and fire, but Spirit and love.

Is love the unquenchable fire?

Is it love and God’s pleasure that separates the shell from the jewel within?

Purify me, Lord.  Separate the husk from the meat.  Blow away the dust in my heart; as it settles to the ground receive the crop within.  Love away all that is not you and yours.