Reflection in Ordinary Time: John the Baptist

 

John the Baptist starts his ministry

Rev. Robert was away this week on a camping trip, so no Online Morning Prayer service has been recorded.  It's been quite rainy in these parts for many of the last five days; hopefully Rev. Robert and his family have returned home safely -- and aren't too soggy!

In his stead, as on Friday, June 24, the Church marked the Nativity of John the Baptist, I offer you this reflection on his life and work, in a sonnet from Anglican priest and poet, Malcolm Guite;

St. John's Eve

Midsummer night, and bonfires on the hill 

Burn for the man who makes way for the Light:

'He must increase and I diminish still,

Until his sun illuminates my night.'

So John the Baptist pioneers our path,

Unfolds the essence of the life of prayer,

And makes one inner space an everywhere.

Least of the new and greatest of the old, 

Orpheus on the threshold with his lyre,

He sets himself aside, and cries, 'Behold

The One who stands among you comes with fire!'

So keep his fires burning through this night,

Beacons and gateways for the child of light.

                            -- Malcolm Guite, Sounding the Seasons, Canterbury Press, 2012.

To add to your reflection, you can read about the traditions behind this poem, and hear Rev. Guite read this poem -- and the second he also wrote for John the Baptist, HERE.

May these reflections bless your day. 😊