A Great Prophet And A Great Dad
Stories
LECTIONARY TALES FOR THE PULPIT
Series III, Cycle A
John the Baptist was the real thing, a great prophet. He would never see Jesus be crucified or even be resurrected. John would be executed by then. Still, John the Baptist prepares the way and is a zealot in his ministry.
Dick was the real thing, a true family man. He knew he was not immortal; he would not be able to be with his children forever. He couldn't know what the future held for them. He just knew he loved his family and would do whatever he could for them. He also knew they were loved by God.
John the Baptist loved Jesus. He did not mind wearing a robe of camel's hair. He did not mind eating locusts. He could endure difficulties for the sake of his beliefs.
Dick loved his children. He did not mind living sparingly. He did not mind foregoing fancy things or passing up overtime at work in favor of spending time with his children. He was glad to live a simple life for their sake.
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus's coming. He preached around the time Jesus began his ministry. He insisted the Jews be immersed in the baptism as a sign of repentance. Just like the Gentiles. They were on equal footing to face judgment.
Dick gave his children a solid foundation. There were plenty of church activities for the children to go to. Friends abounded both at school and in the neighborhood. Heavily involved in the homeless mission and Habitat for Humanity, the family took on an active role in the community. He insisted they become involved in social outreach. He wanted them to be aware of suffering and understand the ways of the world.
Jesus held his cousin, John the Baptist, in high regard. John was one of the greatest prophets. Jesus also knew there were greater ones to come with the beginning of the age of salvation. For Jesus, there was none greater than John the Baptist, who prepared the way.
Jesus holds Dick in high regard. Dick is a wonderful father. His children will also be excellent parents due to Dick's example, and, according to Dick's children, their dad is the best.
Dick was the real thing, a true family man. He knew he was not immortal; he would not be able to be with his children forever. He couldn't know what the future held for them. He just knew he loved his family and would do whatever he could for them. He also knew they were loved by God.
John the Baptist loved Jesus. He did not mind wearing a robe of camel's hair. He did not mind eating locusts. He could endure difficulties for the sake of his beliefs.
Dick loved his children. He did not mind living sparingly. He did not mind foregoing fancy things or passing up overtime at work in favor of spending time with his children. He was glad to live a simple life for their sake.
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus's coming. He preached around the time Jesus began his ministry. He insisted the Jews be immersed in the baptism as a sign of repentance. Just like the Gentiles. They were on equal footing to face judgment.
Dick gave his children a solid foundation. There were plenty of church activities for the children to go to. Friends abounded both at school and in the neighborhood. Heavily involved in the homeless mission and Habitat for Humanity, the family took on an active role in the community. He insisted they become involved in social outreach. He wanted them to be aware of suffering and understand the ways of the world.
Jesus held his cousin, John the Baptist, in high regard. John was one of the greatest prophets. Jesus also knew there were greater ones to come with the beginning of the age of salvation. For Jesus, there was none greater than John the Baptist, who prepared the way.
Jesus holds Dick in high regard. Dick is a wonderful father. His children will also be excellent parents due to Dick's example, and, according to Dick's children, their dad is the best.
