Learn by Topic: John the Baptist

“Christ-miss” in the Modern World

While the feast of “Christ’s-Mass” dates back to at least the 2^nd Century, much of the modern world has lost sight of the mysterious and wonderful Advent of Christ.  For many Christians, rather than renewal in Christ, Christmas is perhaps better described as “Christ-miss”.  “Christ-miss” is celebrated with rampant consumerism, holiday gift-giving, family reunions, partying, vacations and perhaps even attending Christmas Mass, while “missing” the opportunity to renew their faith in Christ.

Like the slumbering world that missed Christ’s quiet birth in a Bethlehem stable 2000 years ago, many are sleeping during Advent, embracing “Christ-miss” rather than “Christ-Mass.”  They miss the great miracle of Christ’s continued rule in the modern world; they miss the opportunity to draw closer to Christ and to experience His lasting peace and joy.  Instead, in the deprived darkness of the modern secular “Christ-miss” world, people suffer in darkness, lost in the self-absorption of sinful addictions, lost in battles to promote sexual liberation, the killing of children and the control of the nation’s wealth, lost in transient relationships, broken marriages and the loneliness of going it alone.

The Advent of the Divine Child

Into this broken world, the Light of Christ continues to shine brilliantly during Advent.   (more…)

In today’s Gospel (John 1:35-42), Jesus calls His first three disciples.  And it is an astounding event.

What would cause three men to be so impressed that they would  leave their lives behind and follow some Rabbi they just met?

What is going on here?: (more…)

Today’s reading from the Gospel of John is remarkable (John 1:29-34), packed with powerful ideas that amplify the awesome nature of Jesus Christ.

In just 5 verses, John the Baptist reveals a powerful summary of the whole Gospel.  And he does it in a way that is mysterious and prophetic. (more…)