Sunday (12/14): Who are you? And in whose name do you speak?

Meditation: "Who are you?" John the Baptist had no difficulty answering this question when the religious authorities came to investigate him.   If someone called your identity into question, how would you answer?  Do you know your roots, your true identity as God knows it? We often mistake our true identity for something that's manufactured. True identity is derived; it's source and maker is God who made us in his own image.  When the Jewish leaders questioned John's identity, they wanted to know if he was really sent by God.  John claimed to speak in God's name and act as his representative.  The religious leaders wanted to know if John claimed to be the Messiah or one of the great prophets who was expected to return and announce the Messiah's arrival (see Malachi 4:5, Deuteronomy 18:15). John had no mistaken identity.  In all humility and sincerity he said he was only a voice bidding people to get ready for the arrival of  the greatest Ruler of all, God's anointed King and Messiah. John the Baptist bridges the Old and New Testaments. He is the last of the Old Testament Prophets who points the way to the Messiah. He is the first of the New Testament witnesses and martyrs. He is the herald who prepares the way for Jesus and who announces his mission to the people: Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!  John saw from a distance what the Messiah came to accomplish — our redemption from slavery to sin and our adoption as sons and daughters of God, our heavenly Father.  Do you recognize your identity as a child of God and a citizen of heaven?

John was the greatest of the prophets, yet he lived as a humble and faithful servant of God. He pointed others to Jesus, the true Messiah and Savior of the world. The Christian church from the earliest of times has given John many titles which signify his mission: Witness of the Lord, Trumpet of Heaven, Herald of Christ, Voice of the Word, Precursor of Truth, Friend of the Bridegroom, Crown of the Prophets, Forerunner of the Redeemer, Preparer of Salvation, Light of the Martyrs, and Servant of the Word. Do you point others to Jesus Christ by the example and witness you give to others?

"Lord Jesus, make me a herald of your word of truth and grace. Help me to be a faithful witness of the joy of the gospel and to point others to you as John did through his testimony."

This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager, whose website is located at: http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings/