One minute with Jesus
By REV. FR. ANTHONY EWHERIDO
“His name is John.”
Today, we celebrate the birthday of John the Baptist, the bridge between the old and the new and the forerunner of Jesus. His birth marked the dawn of new hope for God’s people as they beheld the fulfillment of the prophecy regarding Elijah’s return before the day of the Messiah. Like the great prophets of old, Elijah and Jeremiah, John was chosen from the womb with a special mission in view: that of giving Israel notice of the imminence of the God’s visitation. The special circumstances surrounding his birth were part of the divine plan for the unfolding of his mission, such that at his birth, people said: “what will this child turn out to be?” With the hand of the Lord on him, he bore witness to the truth, called people to repentance, courageously challenged the powerful on issues of justice and corruption, and even stood by his witness to the point of death. His joy was in knowing the presence of the Messiah, the sign that his mission was accomplished. He made the Messiah known and even encouraged his disciples to follow him.
Lord, give me the humility and courage to fulfill my purpose and destiny. Amen.
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