“Jesus began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?” (Luke 7:24)

“Jesus began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?” (Luke 7:24)

Our Lord praised the fortitude of John the Baptist by asking those gathered if they witnessed him as “a reed shaken by the wind.”

In that region where John was baptizing, the banks of the River Jordan flooded annually and produced grass-like reeds that were delicate and easily swayed by the winds. Thus, Jesus asked the crowds if they saw a man who would bend or vacillate, catering to the whim of the people or popular opinion. 

No; John was a man of conviction and courage. He preached the message God gave him and stood firmly for that truth. He was to “prepare the way” for the Messiah, and this is what he did; never swaying or submitting to what was easy or convenient. He fulfilled his role as a prophet. 

John’s commitment and steadfastness are good examples for us, because today there are tremendous distractions and other things that can blow us off course and away from Christ and our purpose as believers. Like John, we must remain focused on serving the cause of Christ, standing for God’s truth, and living for eternal realities so that we can keep the torch of the Christian Faith alive and burning brightly for future generations.

Fr. John