"I Am Not the Christ, but I Have Been Sent Before Him"

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the role of St. John the Baptist as the forerunner to Christ, emphasizing his mission to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah. He draws parallels between St. John’s role and the calling of Christians today to be ambassadors for Christ, tasked with teaching the truth, living with integrity, courage, humility, faith, and steadfast prayer. Fr. Matthias highlights key characteristics necessary for believers to prepare others to receive Christ’s message, including demonstrating good works, maintaining reverence and purity, and embracing repentance and forgiveness. He stresses the importance of living out genuine faith that attracts others through the witness of a joyful and prayerful life. This sermon calls Christians to actively participate in God’s work of reconciliation by embodying the virtues that prepare hearts for Christ’s presence, both now and at His second coming.