Sunday’s first reading is full of powerful images.

Ruler. From of old. Return. Shepherd. Majestic.

It’s like a two-sentence summary of all the things prophets say when they describe the Messiah, the Christ.

It tracks with last Sunday’s Gospel. About who is coming after John, and John’s job of telling people what’s about to happen.

It’s why the Eastern Churches call him John the Forerunner.

But with all the vivid images packed into the first reading, it’s easy to miss something else that’s going.

John’s not alone. There’s another forerunner.

One who is literally indispensable for what’s about to happen.