REFLECTION

JOHN PREACHED, STOOD AND DIED FOR THE TRUTH.


The birth of John the Baptist is one of the oldest feasts in the church's calendar. In the early days of the church it was difficult to mention Jesus Christ without referring to John the Baptist so much were thier lives woven together. John was born in Judea, six months before Christ, of aged parents and Elizabeth his mother was a cousin of Mary. He was an unusual character, an eccentric who from his earliest years lived in the wilderness.....what we would call a drop-out from normal society. From the outset, his life had all the indications of tragic greatness, steeped as it was in mystery and solitude.
He looked the part of a prophet with his long hair, flashing eyes, rough camel hair coat and diet of locust and wild honey. Once he began to preach, the crowds flocked to hear him and were so fascinated by his message that many mistook him for the Messiah. He was fearless in denouncing evil and a thorn in the flesh of those who did not want to face the truth in their lives. His popularity with the people prevented King Herod from putting him to death when he condemned his adulterous marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. Instead he had him arrested and chained up in a dark prison. For those in search of God, John's greatest desire was to point them towards Jesus. He was very clear in fulfilling his role of being a voice crying in the wilderness preparing a way for the Lord, and making straight his paths. His whole life was absorbed in being a fearless speaker for God and a supporting character to Jesus. In every age there is a need for prophets to speak for God in the various situations of life. Everyone's life is designed for the special purpose of being a voice for God. When God's word is heard people have an opportunity to judge their actions in the proper light and in the face of such truth are challenged to repent and change. John the Baptist was born to be God's speaker and each of us, by virtue of our baptism, was called to be one.

Thank you