The picture of the young child in close proximity to a cobra is part of the imagery that the prophet Isaiah depicts in today’s reading. His vision is of a world where fierce and gentle animals live in harmony. It seems far-fetched, yet the scripture seems to suggest that we need to look to new horizons to nurture hope. The example of Ian Paisley and Martin McGuiness - who would have been sworn enemies - coming to share government together and even being called the Chuckle Brothers, is one that should indicate that many things are possible.
“Some men see things as they are and say why? I dream of things that never were and say why not?” (George Bernard Shaw, quoted by Robert Kennedy)
John the Baptist, the much-longed-for child of Elizabeth and Zechariah, has appeared in the gospel, heralding the coming of the much-longed-for Messiah. He asked for change and renewal. Matthew tells us that he led a very spartan existence, wearing simple clothes and living on a very frugal diet. His example was a challenge to the leaders of society and their complacency in keeping to the status quo: he called them “a brood of vipers.” The late Bishop Emeritus Martin Drennan talked about “comfort zones needing to be ruffled.” (Turning Wounds into Wisdom: reflection on the second Sunday of Advent)