John

The last prophet -- John -- was special.  He lived a most simple life, feeding on locusts and honey and wearing clothing made of itchy fibers.  He lived a hard life in the desert regions, prayed, and fasted.  We know John by his more common title, John the Baptist.  He was Jesus' cousin, the son of Elizabeth.

A man of deep prayer, John began baptizing people in the Jordan River.  His message was clear, "Repent, and prepare the way of the Lord."  And some thought he was perhaps the Messiah that they had long awaited, but he stated clearly that he was not, that there was one coming so great he was not worthy of loosening his sandal.

One day while baptizing people in the Jordan, Jesus came to John.  John was overcome and could not imagine his Lord asking to be baptized as well, but John did baptize Jesus that day and thousands of others too.

Each day we renew ourselves for this journey of life.  And isn't each new day a miracle in itself?  We get another chance to do better.  We can start by asking forgiveness for our sins, and by cleansing our hearts for our Lord, Jesus.

In big cities and in small towns, the sun rises on another new day.  We sing a new song unto the Lord.  Alleluia.