Nativity of John the Baptist

John the Baptist is the herald for the Messiah, his cousin Jesus. He forms a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, and like Jesus, pays the ultimate cost for speaking truth to power. John challenged what was evil and immoral in his day, witnessing to the promise of a loving God. John was often portrayed as mad and wild, wandering through physical and social deserts, and existing mainly on the bounty of the land. The prophet’s road is one where we find inspiration and courage, and baptism is our ongoing call to live lives that bring justice and peace to those around us. The cost can be high for embracing God’s love in the everyday reality of our lives. The cost of not embracing it is even higher. 

Who are the prophets in our midst who we would rather not hear? How can we lift them up and work with God’s love, alive and active in our world today? What do we need to change to follow the baptismal call to conversion of life?  

Prayer:

John the Baptist, Witness to Truth 

God, source of our hope, 
 
through John the Baptist you gave us an example 
of a man close to the concerns of your own heart, 
and alive to the needs of his time. 
May we too draw on his courage,  
forthrightness and love of you and your people. 
May we live into his characteristics  
and become more fully witnesses  
to Christ’s love for today’s world. 
We ask this, confident of your generosity and encouragement.  
 
Amen.  

Adapted from the Sisters of St Joseph, Evening Prayer, 2010. 

Artwork:

The Baptism of Christ (c. 1448 – 50) byPiero della Francesca (c. 1415 – 1492) 

Music:

Benedictus by Steve Angrisano