By: The Rev. David P. Byer
“What then should we do?” Each of us could probably tell about a time in our life when that was our question. I do not mean simply deciding what to do or figuring out what is on the to-do list for the day. The question in today’s gospel is more of an existential question,
one that strikes at the very core of our being. It comes to us in many different ways. For my mother it came in September 1955. That is when she learned of her unplanned pregnancy. Her doctors told her some years before that she was not capable of having additional children. So it was quite a surprise when she learned she was expecting. She considered ending the pregnancy. Fortunately a loving friend, by witness of her faith in Christ, led my mother to choose life and do the right thing. I was carried to full term.
Mom always told me I was her miracle baby. Sometimes we realize something about our life or ourselves; we recognize a truth and know we need to make a change. Perhaps for the first time we acknowledge the reality of addiction. Or maybe we have lived with a
deep sense of abandonment or hopelessness. Or maybe the one we most love in this world was diagnosed with a terminal illness. And we are left wondering, “What do I do now?”
Whether or not we want it or are ready, life brings us changes. The loss of a loved one, a divorce, a shattered dream, betrayal of a friend, an unplanned pregnancy, the complete disability of an elderly loved one or parent all leave us asking, “What do I do now?”
Regardless of how it comes about, that question brings us to a crossroads. It is a place of discernment and decision and ultimately a place of repentance. We must begin looking for a new direction for our life. Even when we recognize the need and desire to turn our
life in a new direction, that whole process can seem so big, so overwhelming, that it seems impossible. Many years ago a dear friend and mentor pointed out to me some hard truths about my life. I remember asking him, “So what should I do now?” He looked at me and simply said, “Go do the next right thing.” That was not an answer that I wanted to hear. He set me on a path of repentance. That is the point of today’s gospel passage. John tells the crowd to share their food with those who are hungry and have none. If they have two coats they are to give one to someone who has no coat. It is not hard to figure out. It is the next right thing to do. Jesus calls us to be who we are but in a different way. Repentance is not just about us. It is connected to and happens in relationship with God and our neighbor. It always restores, enhances, and gives life. It is not about escaping the circumstances of our life but about engaging those circumstances in a new and different way – God’s way. What is the next right thing for your life? Identify that and you will have discovered a place of repentance, a place of expectation, a place of the good news, and ultimately the place where the Messiah is coming to you. Go and do the next right thing.