Incognito
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December 16, 2017“Among you stands one whom you do not know.”(Jn 1:26)
John is one whose way of life and dress sets him apart from others. He is a prophet and “more than a prophet” (Mt 11:9), called to point beyond himself to the one who is coming after, the one who is greater. This one, who was before and is always coming, is also here, now.
“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1:29)
Monastics readily identify with this prophetic role – a voice crying out in the wilderness, a finger pointing to the one who is not seen. Our manner of life and dress find meaning in this pointing to the one who is not seen. All Christians, however, are called to point to the one in their midst who is not seen, but who makes all things new.
“Without having seen him, you love him; though you do not now see him, you believe in him.” (1 Pt 1:8)
“Blessed are you who have not seen and yet believe.” (Jn 20:29)
He walks anonymously among us as he did among the people of his own time and place. He allows John to reveal him. He himself reveals the Father in all that he says and does. So Christ reveals the Father, while the Christian points to Christ.
Our task, then, is to cultivate the faith that perseveres “as though seeing him who is unseen” (Hb 11:27). At every moment and in every place we must learn to cry out: “It is the Lord!” (Jn 21:7). Jesus walks among us, even here, even now. The people of the world need this knowledge and the hope and joy that proceed from it. This is the Good News that every Christian is anointed and sent to proclaim.
“Among you stands one whom you do not know. He is your Lord. He formed you from the dust of earth and blew his own life into your nostrils. He loves you more than you can conceive, and so he draws near to walk with you. He carries your sorrows and dies your death. You are never alone.”
Image: Young Nazarene I, by J. Kirk Richards
