Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Readings for Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
First Published: Saturday, June 24, 2006
Paving the Way
Reflection:
I wonder, out loud, today if John the Baptist understood his role in our salvation. He was, after all the pathfinder, the one who paved the way for the Lord. His life so closely paralleled that of Jesus it is remarkable that more people did not mistake him for the messiah.
From before his birth, as we hear in the Gospel, he knew Jesus. Although no scripture records it, we can easily speculate that these cousins knew each other growing up. I mean if Margaret and Mary were as close as scripture implies, they must have spent time together and their sons must have been together from time to time as they grew. Although, given that Joseph took Jesus to Egypt right after he was born for a period of time, they were probably not best friends early on.
But did John know? Did he suspect that his cousin Jesus was the one, before they met at the Jordan that day Jesus went into the water? We will never know for sure. We do know that after Jesus began his public ministry, John sent his own disciples after Jesus. And that Jesus and John had parallel ministries, although John was focused on repentance while Jesus went much further with forgiveness.
But John was the voice. He was the one who cried out in the wilderness that the Kingdom of God was at hand. It was he who publicly announced the messiah. It was he who prefigured Christ, even in death. It is truly good that we celebrate his birth on this day.
And were does that birth take us? As we reflect upon Margaret and Mary, meeting that first time and Margaret beginning the rosary at that meeting; Hail full of grace. As we recall the events leading up to Johns birth, how his father, a priest, was caused to be mute by the angel Gabriel for not believing, until the day of Johns birth and naming. We remember the life he was to follow, one of obedience that led to his outspoken proclamation of Christs coming.
His example shines for us. Perhaps we are not able to be so bold as he was. Perhaps we cannot go out and call to those who have turned their backs to Repent and return to the Lord. But we are given his example to guide us as well as that of Jesus to whom we aspire. Let us be strengthened by the same Holy Spirit that filled him and be a voice, today, crying out in the wilderness.
Pax
Readings for Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
First Published: Saturday, June 24, 2006
Paving the Way
Reflection:
I wonder, out loud, today if John the Baptist understood his role in our salvation. He was, after all the pathfinder, the one who paved the way for the Lord. His life so closely paralleled that of Jesus it is remarkable that more people did not mistake him for the messiah.
From before his birth, as we hear in the Gospel, he knew Jesus. Although no scripture records it, we can easily speculate that these cousins knew each other growing up. I mean if Margaret and Mary were as close as scripture implies, they must have spent time together and their sons must have been together from time to time as they grew. Although, given that Joseph took Jesus to Egypt right after he was born for a period of time, they were probably not best friends early on.
But did John know? Did he suspect that his cousin Jesus was the one, before they met at the Jordan that day Jesus went into the water? We will never know for sure. We do know that after Jesus began his public ministry, John sent his own disciples after Jesus. And that Jesus and John had parallel ministries, although John was focused on repentance while Jesus went much further with forgiveness.
But John was the voice. He was the one who cried out in the wilderness that the Kingdom of God was at hand. It was he who publicly announced the messiah. It was he who prefigured Christ, even in death. It is truly good that we celebrate his birth on this day.
And were does that birth take us? As we reflect upon Margaret and Mary, meeting that first time and Margaret beginning the rosary at that meeting; Hail full of grace. As we recall the events leading up to Johns birth, how his father, a priest, was caused to be mute by the angel Gabriel for not believing, until the day of Johns birth and naming. We remember the life he was to follow, one of obedience that led to his outspoken proclamation of Christs coming.
His example shines for us. Perhaps we are not able to be so bold as he was. Perhaps we cannot go out and call to those who have turned their backs to Repent and return to the Lord. But we are given his example to guide us as well as that of Jesus to whom we aspire. Let us be strengthened by the same Holy Spirit that filled him and be a voice, today, crying out in the wilderness.
Pax
posted by Deacon Jim | 2:52 AM
3 Comments:
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This comment has been removed by the author.
Dear Fr. Jim,
Please check the 2nd paragraph. John's mother was Elizabeth.
I know it was a slip. (Please do not publish this. it is not important).
My publishable comment:.
I learn a lot from your reflections. I have also wondered if John knew Jesus as they were growing up. If he did then did he ever know or even suspect? Was it only revealed to him as Jesus approached? I wonder about all these things too.
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