“He knew him to be a righteous man”

Today we celebrate one of the earliest martyrs, John the Baptist.  Jesus testifies that there was no one greater than John the Baptist (Matt 11:11).  His greatness is, of course, what gets him executed: he spoke the truth no matter what.  He stayed focused on the mission of preparing the way for Jesus by calling sinners to repentance.   

We, too, are called to be truth bearers.  What is the truth that we need to declare?  Are there injustices for which we remain silent? Do we lack the courage to discern when and how we need to raise our voices? It is doubtful John was without fear, but he learned what so many reformers have learned throughout history: one must focus on the day at hand and move forward one step at a time.