The sandstorms of societal influence

02Jan
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.
-John 1: 19-23


“Vox clamantis in deserto” was used to introduce John in the Gospel of Mark and was taken from a passage in Isaiah; it also happens to be the name of an epic 14th-century poem by John Gower, ​​the motto of Dartmouth College, and a popular tattoo for the forearm. You might say feeling isolated and alone is part of human identity (or at least very important to some). 


Even though it is by far the most famous part of this passage of scripture, it’s not the most interesting to me. Even more, I love all the things that John confesses he is not. He is not Elijah. He is not the Messiah. He is not even a prophet. He is a person on a mission. He knows who he is and what he wants to say, and he just needs someone to listen. He is not intimidated by his questioners and is confident in his answers. He is not trying to be God (or God’s son); he is just preparing the way.  


As we enter into a new year, you might be like me and compiling a list of resolutions that might (if we stick to them longer than a week or so) transform us into what our societal influencers have insinuated is “attractive” or “successful” or even just plain “good.” How about, instead, we try to make resolutions this year that would bring us closer to our authentic selves beautifully made in the image of God? How about we care a little less about what we haven’t done or don’t live up to and focus on the gifts inherent in being a child of God, on what fortifies our core values as loving members of the body of Christ?  


-


Musical Reflection - Habitare fratres in unum, Arvo Pärt. Ars Nova Copenhagen


Lord, thank you for giving me another year to appreciate your creation and all of the blessings that surround me! Thank you for gifting me with more opportunities to spread love and kindness to the world! Also, please help me see through the sandstorms of societal influence to prepare myself for what you desire of me. Help me see how I can grow in faith and love this year and make straight my path to serve you.  Amen.

Acceptance

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