Lent - Day 2

       Yesterday I tried to help us plan Lent by knowing that while we are surely special and loved, we are not 'all that' - at least not in comparison to every one else. Everyone is 'all that' in God's eyes. Today we hear about John the Baptist. He could easily have thought that he was above the rest. He clearly had a preaching ability or calling. He answered that call, said 'yes' to God. John really could have thought he was better than everyone else. He was respected, people sought him out, they wanted to be Baptized by him based on his preaching. But John had something we all need.

     John saw his position in the scheme of things. John knew his talents, respected them; he used them and he also knew that he was not 'the one'. He saw what his role was and he noted that he was not even suited to untie the thong of Jesus' sandals.  John was a home run. He knew what he had and he knew what he did not have; John knew there was someone else that would come and be the Messiah. John really could have convinced himself that he was perhaps the Messiah.  

       In the self examination that is crucial to our Lenten journey, what have we discovered about ourselves? Are we the best, the most, top dog or 'the one'? Have we begun to empty our self of pride, arrogance and self righteousness? All this is required. 

      As our Lenten journey just begins, we have to take time to honest with ourselves. Acknowledging our gifts and talents is crucial if we are to play our part in the kingdom of God. God gave us specific and unique gifts that only we have. We were placed here for a purpose. Part of self honesty and introspection though also calls us to acknowledge what are faults are. Where have we gone wrong? What is taking us away from God? What brings us closer to God?

       We have only just begun our journey, there is till time to adjust course, still time to make the journey a joyful and gifted one. Let's not let the time slip away from us, let us not be distracted so that in the blink of an eye it is Easter and we have squandered the gift that Lent is to us.

John 1:29-34

 The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’