December 28, 2009. Homily, January 2, 2010.

John 1: 19-28.

This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, "Who are you?" he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, "I am the not the Christ." So they asked him, "What are you then? Are you Elijah?" He answered, "No." So they said to him, "Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for your self?" He said:

"I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,

'Make straight the way of the Lord,'

as Isaiah the prophet said." Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water, but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie." This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The Gospel of the Lord.

What did John the Baptist preach?

"Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand," — that is, the time was drawing near when the long awaited Saviour would appear. John required that the repentance be sincere and be accompanied by good works.