The gospel today continues to focus upon Jesus' relationship to God. Jesus situates his teaching that we read today in his relationship with John the Baptizer. Surely John the Baptist directs our attention to Jesus who, as we know, preaches about make straight the way of the Lord. He encourages his hearers to listen to Jesus. This was his mission. It was not one that would lead John to be the greatest of preachers in his time on this earth. Jesus' mission, as we know, was simple to bring salvation to humankind but secondly to explain to his hearers and ultimately all those who read or hear the Word of God how our lives are impacted by the presence of God, the Holy Spirit and so many other "mysteries" that the human mind cannot fathom.
We cannot overlook John's important role. He is the first to speak about Jesus as the light. And John, as we have learned, reflected that light in the various challenges that confronted him. Preaching repentance, as most of us know or imagine, is not easy matter. Preaching the evils of sin and the need to seek God's forgiveness cost John his life. John's mission is likewise my mission and your mission in this brief time we call our life on earth. Each of us has a God-given mission.
John fulfilled his mission serving the people of God as a prophet. Jesus responded to his calling by accepting the Father's will. Servant of God John Paul II, soon to be Blessed, accepted God's many gifts -- his skills in theater, poetry, theology, religion, teaching, meeting with millions of people, and his sufferings. Like Mary, this Polish Pope uttered "Fiat" (let it be done) so many times in his life.
So, what's with the "First Priority" banner at the outset of this posting? For me it is a reminder that the first priority in my should be my God-given mission. Trying to live my mission to the fullest, I am trying to be like John, a reflection of the goodness of God -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. So the question before you today is this: How do you reflect the light of Christ Jesus to others? Shouldn't that be a first priority for those seeking to be followers of Jesus Christ?
