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Glory be to the triune god.
Dearly beloved, Life is defined as the span between birth and death. Birth begins with the letter "B", and death begins with the letter "D". Between these two letters lies "C", which represents choice. Our lives are intrinsically a matter of the choices we make. Both divine will and our own decisions shape our ultimate destiny. The legacy we leave behind after we die depends entirely upon the choices made during our time on Earth, the tenure from birth to death.
On this Sunday, we commemorate the nativity of John the Baptist, the forerunner of our Lord and Master. As proclaimed by Jesus Christ Himself in Luke 7:28 of the Holy Scriptures, John the Baptist is the greatest among those born of women. This eminence is attributed to his divine selection by God and his personal choice to live a life commensurate with that calling, which ultimately rendered him the greatest figure.
The following observations were drawn from the life of John the Baptist:
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John the Baptist was predestined for a divine purpose that required him to be different. The essential lesson for us is to be distinctive and set ourselves apart from values that oppose God's standards. Our current ways of living and operating may not align with divine principles, necessitating personal change and repentance to achieve true spiritual separation.
John the Baptist did not follow the status quo or seek popularity. As an authentic seeker of God, he retreated to the wilderness, discovering a more genuine, God-centered way of life. Merely maintaining the status quo is easy, but it inhibits personal growth and spiritual progress.
John the Baptist consistently "walked the talk." He practiced precisely what he preached, and his message was remarkably straightforward. He lived his life in complete consistency with his beliefs and calling because he had definitively turned away from worldly standards, choosing instead to live strictly by God’s standards.
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"For us, this will sometimes be difficult, but the rewards of that life and decision are truly worth it. The life of John the Baptist had a singular purpose: to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah. He remained consistent in his calling. Regardless of how great or small we perceive our calling and ministry to be, its size is irrelevant unless its true purpose is to lead people to Christ. When human ambition obstructs the fulfillment of God's purposes, we diminish our true identity in Christ. John's life serves as a clear challenge to holiness and authentic, truthful living.
John the Baptist's close relationship with God cultivated a profound sense of humility within his character. He exemplified this humility in every aspect of his life, from his lifestyle to his simple clothes and food. His authentic, holy life naturally expressed itself through his humble nature. Emulating John's manner of humility in our present culture presents a significant challenge. Pride was the sin that transformed angels into devils; conversely, humility is the virtue that elevates men. Pride creates an artificial facade, while humility reveals our true selves.
John the Baptist fiercely condemned injustice and corruption. He was able to do so because he was a righteous man. While we may not be required to preach in the wilderness as John did, we have a responsibility to speak out against injustices in the world today. Striving to perceive the world through God's eyes and internalizing His definitions of right and wrong should compel us to correct these issues, both in our own lives and in the lives of others. John never compromised his deep-seated convictions; he lived and ultimately died for them. We, however, frequently compromise our beliefs, often out of fear of criticism or potential loss. John sacrificed his life for his unwavering stance. A truly great person always stands firm on their convictions, regardless of the personal cost, even if it means losing their life.
As we learn from the Holy Gospels, John the Baptist was divinely chosen as the Master's forerunner. This was a supreme privilege, which John fulfilled by embracing his responsibilities, thus becoming the "greatest among those born of women" (Matthew 11:11).
Privilege is always intrinsically linked to responsibility. While many desire privileges, few are prepared to bear the associated responsibilities. Those who are granted privilege and act on their responsibilities leave an enduring legacy and are remembered forever.
John's brief lifespan left an indelible legacy, and the Church commemorates him eternally. He was the "voice of one crying in the wilderness," a wilderness which can be interpreted in two ways:
The literal wilderness of the Jordan: A barren and arid place.
The human wilderness: The unfruitful and dry human spirit.
John could not make the human spirit inherently fruitful, but he did clear and plow it, preparing the "earth" for the great Sower (Christ). Christ, through His coming, brings the seed of knowledge and the rain of grace from on high to make the human spirit green and fruitful.
John prepared the way through repentance and made the path straight through baptism in water. Repentance prepared souls to receive the seed of Christ, and baptism buried that seed deep within the heart.
The true measure of life is not its duration but its donation—its impact and effectiveness. The importance of our lives is not determined by how long we live, but by how effectively we live.
John the Baptist lived for only a short time, yet his life significantly impacted many, helping them to know and experience the Savior. The text concludes with a prayer that our own lives may also be fruitful and beneficial to others.
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