The preaching of John the Baptist: Mark 1:1-8

Imaginative Contemplation

The prophet Isaiah had described how the Messiah would come. “I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.” How did John the Baptist do this?

“Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord.’ How did John prepare the way? How can I prepare the way for the Lord?

John said, “Turn away from your sins and be baptised, and God will forgive your sins!” To whom was John preaching? How did they respond?

How was John dressed? What did he eat in the desert? Is this the way you would expect a leader to live?

John proclaimed that the one whom he was heralding was greater in every way than he was. Is this the way our leaders, political and otherwise, speak of their peers?

 

Enter into the scene

My home is in the wilderness. I have spent most of my life here. This is where I can find God in his creation. My clothes seem odd, but they are right for this place, which gets very cold at night and very hot in the noonday sun. Here I can converse with God in peace and muse on the instructions of the prophets. Live a simple life, away from arguments and jealousies. I don’t need much and am content with what I have. This is a blessed life for me.

Recently, people have come out into the wilderness to meet me. I have felt God calling me to lead them on a straight path of brotherly love and Godliness. I feel privileged to be able to share God’s love with these people and to help them to find abetter way of living and relating to others and to God. Somehow feel that God is calling me to prepare people to meet the Messiah who has been promised. When will he come?

For further reflection

Discuss with Jesus the following points:

  • John retreated to a quiet place to prepare for the comingof the Lord. How do I prepare for important times ordecisions in my life?

  • John’s clothes and needs were basic. Am I content to livea simple life-style? Do I have luxuries to which I amattached?

  • “Make straight the way of the Lord.” Do I value the truth?Do I interact honestly with family, friends, work colleagues,the wider community?

  • The people came to John and confessed their sins. Am Iready to admit my sins and failings?

  • Can I forgive the faults and failings of others?

Prayer

Our Father in Heaven, give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Amen.