The world and the church need new types of leadership in every generation. It is the nature of things that all earthly leaders must come and go. They have a part in the drama of life and then the curtain comes down. But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. His pre-eminence is permanent, his leadership is forever. In a radical way John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus boldly inspiring people to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. John willingly suffered and died for Christ. As temples of the Holy Spirit, we too are called to be bright lights glorifying Christ in a world darkened by sin. When we are led by Jesus, suffering becomes liberative, and we experience the peace that passes all understanding. St. Bede said, “Such was the quality and strength of the man who accepted the end of his present life by shedding his blood.” Though John the Baptist was locked away in the darkness of a prison, he was a bright lamp. Have we reached this place of surrender?

Prayer: Abba Father, take control of my life and may I experience the great freedom and power of your leading in my life. Amen.