Matthew 3:1-6

We have a saying, “Do not judge the book by its cover.” Why? Typically, people judge people by their looks.

• Just go to the parish and see how a well-dressed person is treated differently from a simple-dressed person
• According to studies, those who are tall usually have higher pay
• Here in the Philippines, fair-skinned lady is considered prettier than those who have a darker tone
• Good-looking people have more chances of getting hired than ordinary-looking ones
• Skinny people are perceived to be more energetic than heavy ones 

In one of the more known Gospel stories regarding visual judgment, Jesus talks about people who got shocked by the appearance of John the Baptist. He was wearing camel’s hair and eating wild honey and locusts. He had a leather about his loins. 

With this type of appearance, three things we can reflect on:

1. Appearance is not important. No need to wear fine clothes. Like any other man-made thing, it eventually gets destroyed, grows old, or becomes useless. 
   
2. What is important is the message. All things in this life are passing. What is most important is the soul. Hence, the message of John the Baptist is all about repentance. 
   
3. God is most important. We came into this world with nothing, and we are leaving this world with nothing. Hence, what is most important is not the clothes that we wear, it is having God in our lives. 

While the world has lost its sense of sins, we Christians know that all things in this world come to an end and we will come face to face with God. Embracing repentance in this holy season is the best way to prepare for the continuous coming of Christ in your life.