Today the Church celebrates the memorial of the Martyrdom of John the Baptist. He was the one who called Christ the "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Even to the shedding of his own blood, he remained faithful to the Lord.
St. Bede says he was not asked to deny Christ; but he was asked to keep silent the truth. And he did not do that. He died for the truth, and so he died for Christ.
In the seclusion and stillness of the desert he had grown and matured in the inner friendship with God. During that time, God himself had become his power, the center of his life.
Thus, John the Baptist shows us that the relationship with God, the inner relationship with him, is essential, and that prayer is never lost time. On the contrary, through prayer, God enables us to overcome difficulties and testify with courage, even in our time.
God bless you all.
Message at the end of the Wednesday Audience on 29 August 2012, to the German speaking pilgrims.