John the Baptist is the last prophet before the coming of the Christ, and he is the first to recognize Jesus once He came. John fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy as that voice crying out in the desert: “prepare the way of the Lord!”
His clothing of camel’s hair was traditional garb for prophets, and his diet of locusts and wild honey perhaps reflected either Jewish purity laws or a particular communal asceticism. As it was, it stood in stark contrast to the finery of the Jewish religious leaders and elders of that time, namely the Sadducees and Pharisees.
Yet, John was drawing large crowds to the Jordan riverbank. Some likely came out of desire, believing he would lead them to the Messiah. Others perhaps came out of curiosity. John spoke like no one else, and called them to conversion, speaking with conviction. With such a following, it would have been easy for John to proclaim himself the Christ, and even easier for the people to believe him. Yet, his humility and holiness meant that John could not lie or mislead them. He made it clear that his message and baptism were both inferior to the one, as he said, who is mightier than I.
John’s preparation of the way for Christ is a model for us, especially in this Advent season. He challenges us to consider whether we lead others to Jesus, or whether our actions are motivated by a need for attention and affirmation. Is our lived faith attractive to those who have none? This last question is especially important, for while we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, we also prepare for His Second Coming. And, as Saint Peter says in our second reading, “The day of the Lord will come like a thief.”
Peter helps us regain the sense of urgency regarding our preparations for the return of our king, when he says, “the Lord does not delay . . . he is patient with you . . . not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Jesus is giving the whole world time for conversion; that we might play a part in sharing the Good News of Christ with the world, for the salvation of the world, is a great and weighty gift. And, now is the time. As we await the new heavens and a new earth, Saint Peter tells us we get to choose what sort of persons we ought to be. We are given these days to grow in holiness and devotion so that we will be eager to be found without spot or blemish before Him, at peace, when He comes. During this busy time of year, a time when we are doing so much to prepare for the coming of Christmas, let us make sure to heed the voice crying out in the wilderness – to prepare for the coming of the Christ, not just as a baby in Bethlehem, but His imminent return in glory as our King. Welcome to our Visitor
All Rights Reserved | St. Rose of Lima