Regardless of the year in which we find ourselves, when Advent begins, the Church presents one of this season’s key “players” – St. John the Baptist. He is known as the “precursor” to the Messiah, the one who announced His arrival and pointed out that He was the long-awaited “Lamb of God.” The Baptist remains with us during the entire season of Advent.
St. John is, in fact, the last in a long line of prophets sent by God. The Old testament records their words, spoken on behalf of God. And, although St. John does not appear anywhere in the Old Testament record, he is very much part of that prophetic tradition.
It’s worth remembering that a prophet is someone called to convey to the people a message from God. A prophet is someone who has an insight into the way people should live their lives. His or her role is both to announce and denounce – and call people back to their senses and to right living. Jesus says that St. John is even more than that. His special role is to prepare the way for the coming of the Anointed One of God: “Behold, I send my messenger before you, who shall prepare your way before you.” Jesus adds that, among the long line of prophets, St. John has a unique privilege: “I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John.”
And yet – Jesus goes on to say that “the one who is the least in the kingdom of God is greater than John.” Jesus is the One who inaugurates the Reign of God among us, in His own person, and in all those who accept His Word as their way of life. This was a privilege that St. John was never to know.
It is humbling, is it not, to think that we are, in a way, more privileged than St. John, who knew Jesus personally? But with privilege comes responsibility! This privilege also carries with it expectations and challenges touching on every aspect of our lives. When people look as us, do they see a reed bending with every passing fad? Do they see people who emphasize status, popularity, luxury, and an obsession with the material things of this world? Or, do they see people who fearlessly and consistently proclaim the Way of Christ in all they say and do?
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La Ley y los Profetas eran dos fuerzas poderosas en la vida del pueblo de Israel, nuestros antepasados. Una vez recibida la Ley, siempre existía la tendencia a abusar de ella. La misión de los profetas era seguir volviendo al pueblo al espíritu de la Ley y al corazón de Dios, el dador de la Ley.
Sin embargo, estos profetas fueron continuamente perseguidos y asesinados. Y entonces, en algún momento, la profecía terminó. Durante casi 400 años, no se vio un solo profeta en Israel. En ausencia de profetas, los líderes religiosos se convirtieron en poderosos y únicos intérpretes de la Ley, con gran pérdida de su espíritu.
En esta coyuntura, San Juan el Bautista surgió como profeta que se atrevió a decir las palabras de Dios, a desafiar a la gente a la conversión, y a preparar el camino para el Señor. Jesús lo elogia. ¿Tenemos el corazón para decir “sí” a la llamada de Dios y ser una voz profética en nuestro tiempo?
