In today's gospel reading John the Baptist prepares the groundwork for the ministry and mission of Jesus. Luke begins by situating this story chronologically, politically, religiously and geographically. On all accounts, there is nothing exceptional nor spectacular about these facts. Geographically, the event took place far from the political and religious centres of power, in the very wilderness region where Jesus would later be led to confront the powers of evil (4:1-13). Although Christ's mission would be immersed in the religious and political world of that time, its true source is thus quite distinct from both of these spheres of life and influence. It is equally important for us to recognize this distinction. Our preoccupations with the events, politics, wars, and problems of our time may sometimes obscure our vision of that broader reality of God's kingdom which is somehow enmeshed within the human sphere of existence and yet transcends it. Without this broader vision, there is no place for Christian hope - salvation would only remain dependent on the rise and fall of human endeavors. Without hope, we will not be able to fulfill our prophetic roles as those who will proclaim the coming of the kingdom so that all "humankind shall see the salvation of God."