Today the Church introduces us to a crusty character named John. He dressed in a garment of camel's hair (Mt 3:4). If you know anything about the revolting habits of camels, you understand why you wouldn't want to cut their hair. John not only dressed funny but also ate funny. He'd snatch up a grasshopper and dip it in some honey as we would dip a potato chip or a chicken nugget. Then he'd munch on the grasshopper (Mt 3:4).

St. John the Baptizer talked as you'd expect someone to talk who eats grasshoppers. He roared at the religious leaders: "You brood of vipers! Who told you to flee from the wrath to come?" (Mt 3:7) Of course, John was the one who told them to flee from the wrath to come. John was a prophet, and more than a prophet (Mt 11:9). We need to listen to him. Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph will not call us to repentance, but John will. The sales clerks, TV announcers, and celebrities won't tell us the truth, but John will.

John still roars: "Reform your lives! The reign of God is at hand" (Mt 3:2). "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths" (Mt 3:3). "Give some evidence that you mean to reform" (Mt 3:8).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2013

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.