The Scripture reading is Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Father Mark explores the meaning of John the Baptist’s statement that the Messiah will burn the chaff in unquenchable fire, and explains that this does not suggest that a vengeful and angry God will torment souls for eternity, but rather that Jesus will burn away the chaff, our sins and the shortcomings of our false selves, to refine the gold of our souls. When God told Jesus, "you are my beloved child with whom I am well pleased" God was speaking to us as well.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.