Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near

 

The Gospel today comes from the Gospel according to John (1:6-8. 19-28) In his preface to the Gospel, John the Evangelist speaks about the one who comes as a witness (bearer of testimony). The purpose of this witness is to point out the Light of the world.  When this Light comes, it will bring mankind out of the darkness of sin. John the Baptist is the witness. Being a witness does not come without a price!

Who was John the Baptist? Apart from Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, John the Baptist is probably in the top five (5) of the most theological significant figures in the Gospels. As was the case with Jesus, his birth was recorded. His entrance into the world was marked by angelic proclamations and divine intervention. (Gospel of Luke), John the Baptist is clearly a pivotal figure in the salvation history of God. When asked about his identity, John replied that he was not the messiah, or a prophet announcing the messiah, or one such as Elijah, or the prophet, Moses. Rather, John identifies himself as the prophetic voice: I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “make straight the way of the Lord.” (Isaiah)

John the Baptist was the messenger for the coming Messiah. His central theme of preaching was, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is near.” His preaching did not come without sacrifice. To be an ambassador of Christ, you will die for the Truth. John the Baptist in simple term was not a “yes-man.”  He willingly confronted the hypocrisy of the religious establishment. He did not hesitate to expose the immorality of Herod and accepted to die a martyr’s death than compromise his convictions.

How are we preparing for the Lord to make inroads in our lives, into our hearts this Advent? Are we hearing the voice of God in our times? Do we accept the Messenger of Truth, or are we listening to popular opinions, theological errors or fake news? 

Each one of us who has heard the words of the Gospels have seen the importance to be a witness to Christ. Like John, God calls us to bear witness to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the one who was born in a manger under the star of Bethlehem, the one who lives among us in the Eucharist, and the one who will come again in his glorious reign as the King of Kings.  In this, there is no greater witness to the truth of God’s work of salvation. It is my prayer that we begin to hear again, the voice crying out in the wilderness.

 

St. John the Baptist, pray for us!

 

Bernard of Clairvaux