December 7, 2025 Matthew 3: 1-12 Jesus and John were cousins on Mary’s side of the family. I suspect they saw each other often while growing up, exchanging what they were learning about life. They were also trying to figure out what the God of Israel had in mind for them as young adults and males in their society. They had parents who loved and cared for them and wanted only their fidelity to the God they had come to believe in. Neither parent had a clue what lay in store for their children. Today’s Gospel paints a colorful picture of John. His wardrobe consisted of a camel hair tunic held in place with a leather belt. His diet was locusts and wild honey. His reputation was known through the whole region around the Jordan and his baptisms made him popular even among the Sadducees and Pharisees. John was a man who did not mince words calling some who came for Baptism “a brood of vipers”, assuring them that whatever “fruit they think they have produced will be cut down and throw into the fire.” These words did not win him a popularity contest and instead he was beheaded by […]