Crying in the Wilderness

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord” ’, as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. John 1:19-28

John baptized and prepared for the coming of the Messiah. He was scrutinized by religious leaders, wanting answers, while they were afraid and out of their comfort zone. John's answer was profoundly simple and humble. And it reminds me that we, who baptize, are baptizing in the name of Jesus and preparing the individual for a humble life of service in Jesus' name. Too many who don't look like the dominate culture may not be listened to, they too may be crying in the wilderness. Yet our children have something to tell us, and they see things often more clearly than adults. May we have ears to listen.

Wondrous Creator, who put your wisdom in infants

your compassion in the hearts of all of creation

and give voice and justice to those in the wilderness.

We have lost our voices and forget to raise them now

our comfort makes us silent, our ease make us blind

but we too might soon be those who need to speak up.

Help us Lord, to hear the cry of those without justice

make us listen to the young ones who see more clearly

and let us make room again for your presence here. Amen.