Advent 2

Start Afresh: A Bush Baptism of Fire and Water 
Luke 3:1-6

This reading (and further verses) was used as part of the Start Afresh reflection from The Water's Edge: A self guided journey into the Economy of God.  It was originally created as a series of mediations for a walk along the beach as part of the Tear Australia conference in 2006 (station 6 and photos here) but can be used in any waterside context with individuals and groups.  email for more info.

Reflective Exercise #1

In the Christian tradition spirituality is always grounded in an economy of time and place.  John and then Jesus' proclamation of God's Economy had its primary audience in Galilean fishing-villages.  The lives of real fishing communities became the fabric from which many of their metaphors and stories were woven.

Take some time to consider your own context.  Like the crowds, tax collectors and soldiers in the story, the different directions our journeys must take and the different ethical choices we must make depend upon where we presently stand within the economy of our world.

Like Luke try to name the people and powers (actual and symbolic) that shape the economies of our world, your work and personal life. As you name them become aware of the feelings these names raise within you. 

Listen at the waters edge for the wild voice of truth calling you to a radical new life.  Like John, consider the ways in which your context imprisons this voice?