herald in the wilderness

herald, in the wilderness,
breaking up the road,
sinking mountains, raising plains,
for the path of god;

prophet, to the multitudes
calling to repent,
in the way of righteousness
unto israel sent;


messenger, god’s chosen one
foremost to proclaim,
proffered titles passing by,
pointing to the lamb.

captive, for the word of truth
boldly witnessing;
then in herod’s dungeon cave,
faint and languishing;

martyr, sacrificed to sin
at that feast of shame;
as his life foreshowed the lord,
in his death the same

holy jesus, when he heard,
went apart to pray:
thus may we our lesson take
from his saint today.