The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it has been written by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, I send my angel before your face, who shall prepare your way before you. The voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight his paths.” John was in the desert, baptizing and preaching a baptism of repentance, as a remission of sins. And there went out to him all the region of Judea and all those of Jerusalem, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist. And he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying: “One stronger than me comes after me. I am not worthy to reach down and loosen the laces of his shoes. I have baptized you with water. Yet truly, he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 16:1-8)

The Gospel reading today introduces us to the beginning of Christ’s ministry and the role of John the Baptist, whose mission was to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. In the divine plan, God often uses forerunners to announce His arrival. John’s role as the “voice crying out in the wilderness” shows us the need for repentance and preparation before encountering the Lord. This moment shows the importance of repentance as the foundation of our spiritual lives. John’s baptism of repentance was not an end in itself but a preparation for the greater baptism to come—the baptism of the Holy Spirit. True repentance is essential for receiving the grace of God. Without turning away from sin and humbling ourselves, we are not in a state to receive Christ fully.

St. John’s humility also stands out. Even as a prophet he understood his role was secondary to Christ. He recognised that his mission was only to point others toward the One who was greater. This humility is a virtue we should be embodying on a daily basis. No matter what our accomplishments or spiritual standing might be, we must remember that everything we do is meant to lead us to Christ and help others draw near to Him.

The image of John in the desert, clothed in camel’s hair and eating locusts and wild honey, conveys the idea of asceticism, a key aspect of the Orthodox faith. His detachment from worldly comforts highlights the call to simplicity and self-denial. In the Orthodox tradition, asceticism is a pathway to spiritual clarity and strength, allowing us to strip away distractions and focus entirely on God. John’s lifestyle is a model for us, showing that holiness is found not in comfort but in dedication to God, even at the expense of worldly pleasures.

In today’s reading we also see Christ’s divinity. John speaks of the One who is “stronger” and whose baptism is not just of water but of the Holy Spirit. The Christian life is not merely about external rituals or moral reforms but about a deep, inner transformation through the grace of the Holy Spirit. The sacraments, especially baptism and chrismation, are moments where we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, allowing us to live as new creatures in Christ.

Today’s Gospel is all about repentance, humility, asceticism, and an openness to the life changing power of God. Our faith is not about mere formality but about a real and living encounter with Christ, the Son of God, who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live holy lives.

— Andrew