Some people seem to enter this world with the mark of a prophet already on them. Isaiah felt that he was already designated a prophet while in his mother's womb. His entire life consisted of living that call and trusting on the graces and guidance of God along the way. After all, Isaiah's Suffering Servant was to be a light to the nations. John the Baptist was certainly one designated for great things. His entire life consisted of bearing witness to another and preparing others to receive someone else. He did not feel threatened or diminished by this. It required a lack of ego and ambition on his part, and it appears that he succeeded admirably. The fierceness of his demeanour and preaching indicated that he could already feel the fire and power of this great coming event. God was visiting his people and John already sensed his presence. He was truly on fire with the Lord. Preparing others to hear the good news is a great calling, and most of us have it in one form or another. In fact, God has plans for each of us before we even draw our first breath. Often it is not as glamorous or exciting as being a prophet, but we all have a mission. True happiness and fulfillment lies in discerning what that calling is and beginning to follow God's guiding signs. It is not about us, but about God. As John stated in the Gospel of John, he must increase and I must decrease. Let us be willing to spend our lives pointing to someone else - the Lord.