Justin Appel

Dear Friends,

Today’s lesson from the Gospel of Luke includes Christ’s words about St John the Baptist.

“I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Luke 7:28)

John remains a unique prophetic character, the most ubiquitous figure in Christian iconography after Jesus and his Mother. He is depicted with wings, showing that “he went into the desert to imitate not men, but angels…an earthly angel in a human body.” (St Sophronios of Jerusalem)

St John spoke truthfully about the coming of Messiah, even when it meant offending those in the highest social class. He didn’t wear “soft robes,” the kind of clothes worn by royalty, but rather clothes of camel’s hair. He came, not eating delicacies, but rather “locusts and wild honey.” His message proceeds from life in the desert. He is often shown carrying his own severed head.

“Who are those he did not set back on their feet because of what he spoke. Because of what he suffered. Because of what he still proclaims in our own day—the same message he preached while he was living. Therefore do not say: ‘Why was John allowed to die?’ For what occurred was not a death. But a crown. Not an End. But the beginning of a greater life.” (St John Chrysostom)

St John remains emblematic for all who look intently for Christ’s coming, whether in the past (historical), or in the future (end times), or in our individual lives (salvific)—the several dimensions of Christ’s coming, which we contemplate in the season of Advent.

Yours in Christ,

—Justin