If someone asks you, “Who are you?” Most of us would say without hesitation our first name. We identify ourselves by our name. The people came to the desert to see John and to determine his “identity.” They knew his name, so they wanted a different kind of response. They asked him if he were “the Christ,” or “the Prophet,” and John made it clear he was neither.
John identifies himself simply as “the voice” crying in the desert, making a straight pathway for the One to follow him. He was not even worthy to bend down and untie his sandal strap. John knew who he was... and John clearly knew who he was not, making him one of the most integrated persons in Scripture. And humble....
Who are YOU, beyond your first name? What word, name, title or designation speaks to the depths of your humanity and your purpose?
Peace,
Fr. Frank