Dec 15 2005

Lk 7:24-30 When the messengers of John the Baptist had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. “What did you go out to the desert to see – a reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces. Then what did you go out to see?
A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom Scripture says:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.

I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.” (All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God; but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.)

John the Baptist is a true prophet. The prophet of the new foretold in the old. The people came to him in the desert and were baptized, meaning they accepted God's plan for them. The Pharasees and scholars refused to see God's way. It seems to often go with the role of prophet to be rejected by the hegemony. The ruling authorities of the time the group in control somehow can get lost in their own power and ignore the power from a great almighty source. My meditation this morning is pray that my baptism will be renewed today in the spirit and my heart body and mind be open to the voices of those in need.