Praise of John the Baptist

The great and most glorious things of the God-bearing prophets have a dance, a beautiful expression of their faith and devotion. For with God, they move their feet and hands, working from the Spirit, and their movements are guided by a higher power. The Word, son and Christ and God, is offered in the tongue, a powerful expression of the divine. The Word who gathered the beauties of heaven and forged the lightning of the solar chariots is a mighty and awe-inspiring force. He ordered the monthly horns of the moon, governing the celestial bodies with precision and care.

He yoked the harmony of the stars and separated it, creating a beautiful and intricate universe. Having crafted a unique course for each, He demonstrated His infinite wisdom and creativity. And having commanded a common and single way for all, He established a sense of unity and purpose. He did not let the clouds fly unbridled, but instead guided them with a gentle and firm hand. But as the season calls and the fruit of the fields is sought and the farmer demands and longs and prays, God responds with abundance and generosity.

And all below intercede with the one above, seeking guidance and protection from a higher power. He said to the sea: 'Dance and roar; and let your waves be broken on the shore', demonstrating His authority over the natural world. Let the sailor fear, lest he forget the creation of the Creator, and fail to recognize the power and majesty of God. And let the merchant not be reckless, lest the element become harmful to the heir, and the consequences of his actions be severe. He divides the flowers, plants, fruits, and sprouts to the dry land, providing for the needs of all living things.

And has honored each place with exceptionally good things, bestowing blessings and abundance upon the world. And has shown the whole earth as one body with many members divided in many places, highlighting the interconnectedness of all things. He divides the flutes and separates the pipes and forges the trumpets for the prophets, providing them with the tools they need to fulfill their mission. He works the cymbals and articulates the drums, creating a beautiful and harmonious sound. He distributes the lots and allots the gifts, guiding the course of human events with wisdom and justice.

And the region was doubly and more glorious, filled with a sense of wonder and awe. For John the Baptist, being young, forced the times, and his presence was felt throughout the land. And the womb could not hold the child, for he was filled with a sense of purpose and destiny. And the mother could not contain the prophet, for he was bursting with a message that needed to be shared. He had no speech impediment, and his words were clear and powerful. And he filled the whole earth with glorious words, proclaiming the good news to all who would listen.

His tongue had no flute, but his message was sweet and melodious. And his song reached the whole world, a joyful and uplifting sound. The trumpet of his mouth was voiceless, but his words were loud and clear. And the sound of his teachings reached heaven, for they were inspired by a higher power. The time had not come, but John was preparing the way for something greater. Nor had the birth pangs arrived, but the anticipation was building. The months were not complete, but the expectation was growing.

And the child spoke to the other child without a tongue, communicating in a way that transcended words. And used kicks instead of some flutes, expressing himself in a unique and creative way. And struck the womb like a drum, making his presence known. And the belly like a cymbal, creating a sense of joy and celebration. And found a pure, broad, and strong lyre, discovering a powerful instrument for expressing himself. And told his mother to say to Mary: 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb', as recorded in Luke 1:42.

'Blessed are you among women', for you have been chosen for a great honor. Because you loosened the bonds, freed nature, and relieved Eve's birth pangs, bringing redemption and liberation. And placed Adam above necessities, elevating him to a new level of understanding and awareness. 'Blessed are you among women', for you have been given a great gift. For through you the sterile mother speaks, and the infant speaks clearly, as seen in Luke 1:42-45. And the infant speaks clearly, proclaiming the good news to all who will listen.

And the child speaks more than orators, for his words are inspired by a higher power. And the one who is not yet speaking is revealed as an evangelist, called to proclaim the message of salvation. And blessed the fruit of your womb, for it is a source of joy and wonder. I am voice and thunder, guide and lamp, mediator and herald, prophet and apostle, trumpeter of the gift of life, smoother of the way without stumbling block, baptizer seen in the flesh, forerunner of the king whose step is everywhere, whose throne is borne by all the elements.

All serve, but no one has seen the face or knows the character of the one being served, for He is a mystery beyond human comprehension. All tremble at his glory, their minds are confused, trying to understand his essence or imagine his power, as described in Psalm 104:1-9 and Job 38:8-11. Let John be praised, the citizen of the desert, the builder of the Jordan, the beholder of the divine dove, the observer of the paternal cloud, the listener to the voice that presented the worthiness of the Son, of the Word.