In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus praises John the Baptist as the great prophet and confirms that John has fulfilled the promise that Elijah would return to herald the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5).

It was God who gave John the Baptist’s parents his name. God gave him his mission before birth. He was a voice that brought healing and joy to his father and mother. He was a gracious child and a blessing for the house of Israel. He was chosen to be the prophet of the Lord to prepare the way for the Lord. He was a man of great humility and courage. He spoke the truth and died for the sake of the kingdom of God.

The mission of John the Baptist was planned by God even before he was born. When we think deeper about it, our existence too is in God’s plan even before we were born. God has a plan and mission for each of us just as He had a plan and a mission for John the Baptist.

John the Baptist went on to fulfill his mission in life and prepared the way for the Saviour. How do you see your role as a bearer of the Good News of Jesus? What thoughts and feelings do you have when you realize that you have been called by God from before your birth? What can you do to remind others of the “graciousness of God”?

Let it be known that even though the enemies range with anger, in fury and violence, what God will do what He says He will do. God will do it for you. Like John the Baptist, may we be a true, humble and steadfast witness to Christ.

May God give us the grace to continue to live out our calling from Him which was given to us from before our birth – to give witness to the Good News and prepare the way for the Lord Jesus to come into our life and the lives of others. May you be great before God and man. And may St John the Baptist pray for you. Amen.
God bless you and bless your day.

Osho