A true prophet: St. John the Baptist

聖若翰洗者誕辰（節日） - 路加福音 1:57-66,80

若翰洗者是為了作耶穌基督的前驅而生。他在母胎之中，一感覺到耶穌的臨在，便歡躍起來，使他的母親知道是主駕臨了她家。若翰洗者是一位很好的見證，從他身上，我們看到一位真正的先知。

若翰洗者在當時很受人敬重，很多人甚至以為他就是默西亞。但他很清楚自己在世的任務，是要勸人悔改，修直上主的道路；完全沒想過要分享半點屬於默西亞的光榮。

真正的先知總是指向基督。若翰洗者說：「祂應該興盛，我卻應該衰微。」在現今社會中，很多人都想成名，得到人注意。若翰洗者提醒我們，作為基督徒，不應嚮往受人注目，卻要甘心做一個僕人。我們的生命該吸引人注意基督，而非我們自己。

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist - Luke 1:57-66, 80

John the Baptist was born to the forerunner of Jesus. When he was still in his mother's womb, he danced for joy the moment he sensed the presence of Jesus, thus making his mother aware of our Lord's presence. John the Baptist shows us what a real prophet is like.

John the Baptist gained respect of many people, some even thought he was Messiah. However, he knew very well the purpose of his life, was to ask people to repent, and to make straight the way of the Lord. He did not want to share the glory which belongs to Christ.

True prophets always point to Christ. John the Baptist said: "He must increase; I must decrease." In our society, many people wish to be celebrities. John the Baptist reminds us that as Christians, we should not aspire to be famous, but should strive to be a servant. Our lives should draw people's attention to Christ, not ourselves.