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All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
Scripture scholars speak of a mysterious silence of prophecy during the four hundred years immediately preceeding the Birth of the Messiah. Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches treasure the "deuterocanonical" books written during that period; Protestants following the example of Martin Luther do not. But all attest the apparent silence when the Jewish people had to navigate difficult historical events under the guidance of Mosaic Law, traditional wisdom, and the merciful guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Just as mysteriously, according to Christian belief, the silence ended when "John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins."
If some people at the time regarded John as a rival of Jesus -- there is evidence of this confusion in the gospels and Acts of the Apostles -- Christians believed they were allies. And John readily acceded to Jesus's superiority. He regarded himself as unworthy to untie the straps on the Lord's sandals. And in his turn, Jesus honored John as "Elijah the Prophet" who had disappeared in a heavenly chariot and was supposed to return and inaugurate the Day of the Lord.
As I continue to reflect on Saint Paul's word, kenosis, I again find that principle in Saint John's behavior. Imitating his Lord and Savior, he humbles himself before the man whom many regarded as his rival. John's friends, family, disciples, and admirers surely suggested that he should oppose Jesus, or at least maintain a detente with him until events would resolve their difference and declare the winner.
But John had no difference with Jesus and there were neither winners nor losers. Both were impelled by the Spirit of God, and both remained servants of the Lord God of Heaven and Earth.
Rightfully do we celebrate John the Baptist during this first stage of Advent, as we hear his urging to repent of our sins and be baptized. We admire his deference to the Lord even as we ask the Spirit to guide us through this confusing season when the world pretends to honor our God.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.