Dear Friends:
Today our gospel is from the book of John 1:6-8, 19-28. It’s the famous story of the beginning of the ministry of John the Baptist. Last week we heard that John was baptizing people in the Jordan River. His dress and demeanor and looks tell us that he is an Old Testament figure. Today we see John engaged in conversation with the Jewish leadership. They asked “who are you?” John answers quickly “I am not the Christ.” They ask “are you Elijah, he answers “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He again answers no. After further prodding John says “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord’, as Isiah the prophet said.”
I find it amazing how unbelieving the Jewish leadership is at the time of Jesus. The people who question John are very astute members of the Temple. They would know Scripture like the back of their hands, and yet when Scripture comes to light right in front of their very eyes with John and Jesus, they refuse to believe. They are so caught up in their selfish lifestyle they adamantly deny the writings of the great prophets come true in their midst.
Sometimes it’s easy for us to misinterpret messages that have been given to us in the Scriptures and traditions of the church. It’s easy for us to get caught up in a movement or interpretation that fits what we think is right and ignore what we know to be the truth. Today might be good day to look inside our very beings and ask ourselves the question: am I in need of correction in the way I think and act? Do I need to take a look and see if I am on the right road?
Peace and All Good!
Deacon Jim
There seems to be little hope on the horizon for relief of the Corona Virus yet. Let us now offer some small sacrifices to the Lord for atonement for our sinfulness and the sinfulness of others. These are very simple offerings we present to the Lord. One could delay their morning coffee for an hour. Another could try to be more patient with someone. I’m sure you get the idea!
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