Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
DISCIPLESHIP
“The bride belongs to the bridegroom.
The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of
joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now
complete” (V.29)
“The Apostles Lent” ends tomorrow and it is one of the
oldest feasts in the church. It was a feast of thanks giving to God for the
gifts of the Holy Spirit that the apostles received. The Holy Spirit
empowered them for another ministry, which was to preach gospel to the world.
As a continuation of the apostolic ministry, the church has a responsibility to
share the Good News to all people. This feast reminds us our role as a disciple
with a witnessing life. Today's passage explains Jesus' testimony about his
forerunner John the Baptist. The understanding of the role and importance of
John the Baptist is helpful to know a model disciple and a disciplined
life.
His Austere Life: John
appeared in the wilderness like Prophet Elijah (2Kings.2:8), wearing a garment
of hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and honey. The
image of John the Baptist is to be observed with respect and awe. The attire
and the attitude of this man were true and real. He was not a reed shaken by
the wind, but unbendingly firm in deep and settled conviction: not ambitious or
self seeking, but self-effacing with a single-minded mission of being the
forerunner of the Messiah (V.30)
His Message and Mission: John, with a
deep sense of earnestness, announced that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand and
the people had to prepare themselves for it. He came to call Israel to submit
to the reign of God, which was manifested in Christ. He preached about inward
repentance and renewal of life as the preparation for the coming of the Kingdom
of God. His call to repentance is not only a call of turning away from the
past, but also a turning towards Christ in the newness of life. Though he was
the greatest man born of woman, he was also the most humble and most retiring.
By the side of Christ, he saw himself only as a shadow cast by the light of
Christ.
His Death: Finally John the Baptist proved
his faithful discipleship by his death. He was beheaded by Herod because of his
strong convictions and prophetic words. He was faithful to God who entrusted a
particular mission through his life. As a disciplined servant, John the Baptist
fulfilled his mission through his austere life, his message& mission and
his death. As a part of the called out community, we all have a mission in our
life, God has placed us here for a purpose. In it’s specificity our mission may
vary from individual to individual but the goal is same to lead a witnessing
life in this world.
Thought for the day: “John the
Baptist is a model disciple, because he was able to let go his ministry for the
sake of the Gospel”(The NIB) .
Prayer: Lord Jesus, prepare our hearts and mind
that we may know the presence of your kingdom and recognize our commissioning
as your disciple in this world...Amen .
Rev. Shibu Mathew ,
Epiphany MTC, NY