Voices are funny things. They can be detached from the human body and still be effective - the radio broadcaster, or the friend at the other end of the telephone line. Voices are like tools. They can be used to build up relationships and community or break down. Remember the old adage, 'Words once spoken are like eggs once broken; they can never be put back together again.'
John the Baptist was a voice crying in the wilderness. He lived in the desert and people flocked to him to be baptised - a sign of inner repentance for their wrong attitudes and lifestyle. His voice carried spiritual power, but he was a man of humility who told everyone that there was one coming (Jesus) whose shoes he was not worthy to untie.
If Jesus was the keynote speaker, John introduced him. If Jesus can be compared to the bridegroom, then John was the best man. If Jesus is the door to God's warmth and light, then John is the doorman standing in the dark and cold.
John the Baptist is a model of humble integrity, teaching us the importance of being faithful to God and self, never wavering from one's truth or calling, and holding fast to one's voice. You probably would not want John the Baptist at the negotiating table, but you would want him with you to rally the troops in time of trouble. John's voice spoke hope in his time. May we become voices of hope and messengers of God's good news in our own time.
NBF meet 6.30 pm Sundays in the chapel at Pant-y- Gorphwys farmhouse on the main A478 from Penblewin to Narberth. Look for the sign!