The Prophet for today...

John of the Desert.
He knows how is life in die Desert, life without Community. Therefore he calls all baptised people of today to go on the way. "Desert" is not for life, only for a short new experience;
a short refuge...  not for staying. 

John the finger of God.
His finger shows the direction where to go...  to the river, the flowing water, where there is life. We have to find out the places offering more life and Community. The right direction to go is "make a turn" / meta-noia / new thinking / repent and find your way...

John the Baptist.
It is supposed nearly everyone who knows "John of today" is already baptised. Therefore he offers not any more a new Baptism...  he calls the people of today into the Eucharistic-Community. Here is the place, the chance to get a new understanding of human life.
In this Community is the word of Jesus Christ actualised: "I'm Bread + Wine for the Life of the World". And oh wonder: most of the people have the courage to accept the "body of Christ" in order to become what he promised. 

Today the Priest is ordained to imitate John the Prophet...  calling the people:
go out of the desert, go to the river (the flowing life),  and turn-around in favour of a new Community where Life is understood as "Bread + Wine".
If the Prophet is not present: No call... No meta-noia...  No Eucharist...