The Spirit of John the Baptist

Each advent with the readings of John the Baptist, I am reminded of one in my youth, one whom I perceived as a great prophet, one who would bring unity to our country with equal justice for all. America then would become like Israel of old, and bring truth to all nations.

For many, Dr. Martin Luther King was the model and guide for following the way of Christ in the 1950’s and 60’s. A preacher who had a mission of peaceful justice, of equal rights for all men, no matter their color, he seemed to be the moral guide as was John the Baptist in his time and place. He too had to spend time in preparation, his time of Advent; he too had to find a quiet place to talk to his God, to learn of His truth.

“The people were filled with expectation after listening to him.” Some asked him: ”And what is it we should do?” Martin Luther King answered as John would have answered: to be passive in the face of aggression of those in authority; to be firm in our footsteps toward equality without being violent in return.

Surely that, I thought, was the way of Christ and the fruit of those actions would be seen by the world as the way Christ would have all men live.

When Dr. King was killed as John the Baptist was killed, because men feared his goodness, I knew he would stand as a person of righteousness in the mansion of God.

John the Baptist gives one direction. He shows us that each one of us has a mission: our task is to make real “thy kingdom come”. Some will lead men; some will preach and teach; some will remain in the desert to honor God; some will march, some will serve others. He shows us no matter the level of our education, no matter the clothing one wears, all men can follow the will of God for them. If one has prepared, prayed and practiced, the Spirit will come to their aid. One may have to struggle for a while against strong forces; one may not live long enough to enjoy the fruits of their labor, but the joy of being admitted to the presence of God will be worth the hardships men have endured on earth and the Spirit of John the Baptist will prevail.

John the Baptist, I pray, please send us today men who can show us the way to Jesus.