“No Little Place ” (Matt.3:1-3a) [Spanish Jerusalem Bible Series - Matt.10 sub-series]
“Proclaiming in a desert place”;
Alone? Indeed that’s not the case,
For who would here recount all this
If John, alone, in lonely bliss –Would preach to rocks and sandy dunes,
Or at some caves, where, none too soon,
Some shepherd-boy would find those texts
In jars which were prepared for this?No, John addressed those folks ’round there;
Bid them to now their hearts prepare,
And change direction of their lives,
For Kingdom new would help them thrive.I often think – how ’bout out here
At end of world (that is quite clear –
For most in urban spaces dwell,
While rest of us live rural hell).Not John the Baptist – yet his words
Two thousand years along are heard –
“The Kingdom of the Heavens – here
Has come – repent” (which he made clear).For Prophets of the early days
Said John would come; in text, it says –
He’d come prepare a way for Him,
Which helped Señor His work begin.And us? Do we prepare, as well,
A road for Christ in place, we dwell?
Or are we quick to disappear
Along such roads – “I’m out of here!”Lord, may we settle in Your place
For us, like here, if that’s the case;
Or elsewhere (John moved there from home,
Would move again, as roads, he’d roam.)His final home? A prison cell –
King Herod thought his preaching swell,
But wifie wanted John quite dead,
Arranging for the Prophet’s head.Lord, if you wish us to move on,
Or stay right here on turf we’re on,
Help us to see beyond ourselves –
As we bid others, “Turn from hell”.Thanks Lord for this.
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