Hello again wonderful friends! Today’s reading of the Bible takes us right before the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. We can look into the words of his cousin John the Baptizer. Here it is…

The Holy Gospel according to St. John the 1st chapter.  6-8,19-28

Glory to you, oh Lord!

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ ” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.”

The Gospel of our Lord.

Praise to you, oh Christ!

Grace and peace are yours from the holy and triune God. Amen.

Since Covid-19 has us immersed in the internet world, I have done my share of visiting several churches websites. I have to say that we have come a long way in design and creativity. Bravo! I also notice that many congregations state that they are a welcome church. Accepting everyone to come into their midst.

That’s not bad at all, they are affirming of diversity among them.

After reading today’s Gospel, I always wonder how John the Baptizer did it without marketing. He identifies himself as a “voice of one crying out in the wilderness.” That must have been a pretty loud cry!

A good teacher once told me that there are people that have important things to say, but don’t know how to call attention to themselves. Then there are those who do a very good job of catching the attention of the people, but what they communicate is empty. But then there are those that have something important to say and know exactly what to do to get people’s attention. I believe the Baptizer was one of the last ones.

I wonder what would happen if those congregations that are so welcoming would in turn become inviters as well. What if they instead of focusing so much in getting people into their midst would go out and invite. And imagine what will happen if once they go and make relationships out there, they share their happiness in God. John was not pretending to draw people just for the sake of it. He was clear that he was preparing the way for Jesus.

Oh, we have so much to learn from this eccentric man. Dear loved ones, may we be wise in our witness to Christ, just as John the Baptizer was in his witness to Jesus, the Light of the world. Amen.

Let us pray,

Good and gracious God, thank you for sending John the Baptizer to witness about the light and salvation through Jesus Christ. Forgive us for always centering everything around ourselves. Help us to be genuinely concerned about the others around us and to go beyond our comfort zones to witness about your love.

Please guide us, we pray, in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen.

Thank you again for reading and for your comments each week. Until next time, stay with God’s blessing:

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.

Amen.