Tuesday, December 19th
Jesus said to the Chief Priests and Elders "……I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the Kingdom of Heaven before you"
Matthew 21:31-32

Regard the contrast of opportunity in life of the religious leaders and the lowly of birth and of good experience. The Scribes and Pharisees had everything necessary to prepare them for leading holy, fulfilled lives, of leading the people in truth and goodness, and of accepting the enlightenment in the way which the Father sought to give them. For many and various reasons the socially deprived lived in ways condemned by the Law of Moses, which was the accepted way of righteousness in those days. These listened to the preaching of John the Baptiser: many heeded and sought the Father's forgiveness for past sins and failures. They repented, turned in their tracks and sought baptism of John. Later some came to seek My teaching and My blessing and progressed greatly in the Father's Kingdom, despite the opposition of the religious leaders in Jerusalem.

What prevented the Chief Priests and the leaders of the people from recognising the light and truth in John and reacting to it in penitence and faith? Was it fear of the cost of enlightenment and all that this might mean in self-giving? Was it lack of humility and willingness to accept enlightenment from one who was not of their number, who taught the need to share this world's goods and live humbly before God and men? Was it John's success in bringing the tax collectors and prostitutes back to the Heavenly Father?

Because John's message was rejected by those leaders the sign that he brought from the Father was made of no effect for them, and the light which he proclaimed did not illumine their way. Let every child of the Father consider these things and look to the health of his conscience.