John the Baptist eagerly awaits the announcement of the Kingdom—new heavens, a new earth, and a fresh world coming into existence. The prophets indicate that the Kingdom is “near”; God is present.
The coming Messiah has journeyed far, no fable but flesh and bone. He is as intimate as bread in the mouth, a word spoken to the heart. “He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit,” immersing you in God’s breath and presence, filling every fiber of your being with divine life.
Convert…that is, new lives require motion and transformation, the baptist echoes Jeremiah from old: You seduced me, Lord, and I let myself be seduced.
Life changes not by decree, but by glimpsing beauty: the sky is bluer, the earth sweeter, and smiles brighter. Transform yourselves: turn towards the true light, for it is already here; no shallow promises to make, say “I do” to the Lord.
Prophets use the same verb, always in the present tense: “God is coming,” continuously self-giving, like bread and wine; God is a gift in motion, love cannot wait.
Don’t feign your approach or pretend to be overly virtuous; he sees your heart’s true self and understands your deep desire for authentic, eternal life. Day by day, God is coming. Even if you don’t see Him, He is present; even if you don’t notice Him, He longs for you. God is love.