By Francis O’Brien
At the banks along the Jordan
Crying out: “Prepare the way”;
Washing sinners in the waters,
Calling all to God’s new day;
Who is this in beggar’s clothing,
Feasting on the desert’s fare?
Is creation’s plan unfolding
In the prophet’s haunting stare?
Could this be the bless’d Messiah?
Could this be the chosen One?
No, this is the final herald
Preparing all to meet God’s Son.
“I baptize you here with water,
But there’s one whom you must seek;
He baptizes in the Spirit,
Raising up the poor, the weak.
Civilization 