JOHN

THE VOICE IN THE DESERT – A VOICE FOR THOSE IN THE WORLD’S WILDERNESS

That which was written via the prophets exhorted: “Here is my messenger which shall declare amongst you who paves the way for my visitation.” He is the one who cries aloud in the wilderness: “Prepare yourselves via paving a strait path for the Lord – He now comes in our midst!” (Mr 1: 2-3)

“His name shall be John!” (Lk 1:63) The name itself is consecrated to God who bestows grace upon those who search and ask of him. Names give us identity and it is wonderful when we are bestowed names of the holy so that they may accompany us throughout our life.

John was the last of the Old Testament prophets and first and best amongst men, for he was chosen to prepare a great event in the history of our planet – the intervention of He who Is the origin, source, and grace of life itself: God the Holy Trinity!

As the old world had legacies attached to bloodline, so too was John part of the presbyteral line via his father Zacharias who served as a priest at the altar of incense. Yet, ritualism, clericalism, pharisaic mindsets and religious zealots hijacked the house of prayer which disintegrated into a den of thieves (Mt 21:13) nothing has changed in that department!

Therefore, it was time for renewal, reconciliation, justice, mercy, compassion and peace which only the anointed high priest (bishop) could bring about; the anointed one who is true bishop of his Church would then come in our midst via the heralding of John.

Hence, when God entered into the very fabric of our being via taking bone, flesh and blood from our Holy Mother Mariam – the psalms of David the King were instantly fulfilled: “Mercy and Truth are joined – Righteousness and Peace shall kiss!” (Ps 85:10)

Thus, John ran from his presbyteral duties from 13 years of age and withdrew into the monastic communities of the desert to commune with God and grow in holiness. The old ways were no longer sufficient, nothing and no one could fix the problem that had been seized by worldly pursuits and career – the lust for acclamation amongst the people rather than being acceptable to God in holy service.

We see the obsession of guruism in our times and church communities where clergy regardless of rank thrive in having a following via the sound of their voice rather than the work of their hands. We have a saying in Italian: “Se non lo vedi – lo senti!” – If you don’t see him you will most definitely hear him. This is unfortunately true throughout ecclesial history and something which John did not take kindly to.

People were afraid of him for he was controversial – not in the sense of the loud mouths that are full of air which we see these days; in contrast, John spoke with authority and had the gift to see through people and tell them exactly what their problem was and why they are contributing to alienation!

We are probably familiar with the Tennis saga here in Melbourne regarding one of its players and their direct supporters which have a tendency of making law wherever they find themselves. One pathetic aspect that contributes to alienation form the Church is when supposed believers begin crusades that are totally ill suited and verge on blasphemy!

Thus, as the story unfolds, these zealots - supposed orthodox Christians that bring shame to our Church had the audacity to parade crucifixes as the means of justification; the comparison of the sufferings of our Lord and Saviour to this wealthy athlete who supposedly is going through similar trials due to being denied access via his status regarding Covid 19!

Such absurd statements which are truly repugnant indeed classify us (believers) as nut cases in general and stir up various emotions which are then redirected as hate towards anything foreign. How many times has the world seen violent outbursts via supposed Christians – let’s not mention the inferiority complex which resorts in violence between the various orthodox jurisdictions on Holy Saturday at the Church of the Lord’s tomb in Jerusalem!

He then disclosed onto them concerning the one who is to come saying: “The one who shall come after me is the almighty – I am unworthy to even minister onto him via removing his sandals. I merely baptise you with water, yet he is the baptism and fullness of the Holy Spirit!” (Mk 1: 7-8)

Humility is the key to the Kingdom for the Lord confirmed such when he referred to acquiring the blessed inheritance with the mindset of innocence and simplicity of a child (Mt 18:3) indeed humility is most lacking amongst those in church circles – the deception of the humility mask has indeed caused alienation from God with the effect of collateral damage rendered in emotional homicide to potential faithful.

As we draw near to the celebration and climax of Holy Nativity being the Epiphany of the Lord rendered as the revelation of God in the waters of the Jordan, may we draw strength from the grace of God bestowed us in Holy Baptism – the confirmation that we are God’s DNA!

Let us be assured of the voice in the desert re-echoing in the wilderness of our times through the dignity God the Son has bestowed us via his coming amongst us; the granting of purpose and freedom to a captive world!

St. John the Baptist and forerunner of the Lord, let the courage and strength of your exhortations be a comfort, consolation, and means of vocation for those of us who are impeded to speak out or weary of surroundings; the gift of presence and determination for exceling to the full potential of our race – for the Lord declared you as the best of men! (Mt 11:11)

Within the streams of the Jordan the Lord stood in its midst and exhorted onto John: “Do not be afraid to minister onto me the water of repentance: I am the new Adam and through these waters which I sanctify – all that is decayed shall be restored and salvation bestowed!”

Kontakion of the Fore feast of Holy Theophany.