DAILY HOMILIES #John the Baptist

Those who treat prayer like magic have no respect for God. They see themselves as powerful and regard God as an object that will always do their bidding. Instead of begging God, they issue commands. Instead of acknowledging their nothingness like John the Baptist, who said he was unfit to untie the sandals of Jesus, they boast of their powers and even give themselves titles. Instead of praying for others and telling them not to publicise it (as Jesus did in today’s Gospel passage), they bring cameras to televise it. They reduce the sanctuary to a stage on which people clap and drop money onto the floor for the performer (in this case, the man of God). Church services quickly transform into concerts when prayer is seen as magic.

As soon as John the Baptist baptised Jesus, it became clear that Jesus did not come to be cleansed from sin. Instead, Jesus came to reveal (to manifest, to make known – epiphany) Himself to the world as God and as the second person of the Trinity. The heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven said: “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” Those who witnessed this event quickly recalled the passage from Isaiah (where our first reading today comes from), and it dawned on them powerfully that Jesus is not just anybody but God among men; the promised Son of God; the Saviour and Redeemer of the world.

Those who told John the Baptist that Jesus was now baptising hoped it would make John sad or spark some form of competition, but to their amazement, John was pleased to hear it. Whatever you do for your church, financially or physically, should never be about competition. It should never be to promote your name or your business; it should only be about increasing God’s kingdom.

Jesus’ arrival in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.” This recalls the star that guided the Magi to Jesus. To know Jesus is to be drawn to His light. If this light rests on you, you become part of it. Instead of darkness (hatred, bitterness, malice, animosity), you start to radiate love. In today’s first reading, St. John said: “This is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another.” (1 John 3:23).

In today’s Gospel passage, John the Baptist introduces Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” We can interpret this statement in two ways. One, by dying for us, Jesus has become our advocate (our defence attorney), and his blood continues to plead for mercy on our behalf. We should not be afraid to approach him, regardless of our past sinfulness. Two, as the Lamb of God, there is no sin in Jesus. The closer we draw to the lamb, the less sinful we become. If you want to be rich, you must surround yourself with rich people. If you want to be holy, ensure your inner circle of friends values righteousness.

We have just concluded our celebration of the Incarnation—God taking our human flesh. This celebration is the greatest event humanity has ever witnessed. If we take our time to think about it, it feels too good to be true. Indeed, many still do not believe that God took our flesh. There are many people (even today) who doubt that Jesus Christ is God. St. John refers to such persons as antichrists.

Zechariah’s obedience to God’s instruction restored his ability to speak. When we obey God, we permit Him to carry out His will in our lives. Often, we behave as though we know better than God, only to find ourselves in a dead end like Jonah. If we persist in our sinfulness, we can never achieve all that God has planned for us.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus offered a vivid analogy for these religious leaders. They make everyone believe they are close to God, but in reality, they mounted the most tremendous opposition to God. They are like the first son who said “Yes” to his father, but eventually, his actions betrayed his words. Do my actions betray my promises to God?

The chief priests and Pharisees doubted Jesus, but as today’s first reading shows, Jesus is truly the Messiah. Truth does not force itself on anyone; it does not depend on how we feel about what we choose to accept. Truth is truth, regardless of whatever anyone thinks. Yes, Jesus is God.

Just because you are unhappy with many aspects of your life doesn’t mean God hasn’t helped you. The fact that not all your prayers are answered doesn’t imply that God is weak or no longer exists. Look around you; God is still performing great and mighty works for many. Maybe it’s not yet your turn, or perhaps your problems are blessings in disguise; whatever the case, don’t lose hope in God.

Our world continues to experience the effects of individual and collective sinfulness. Today, the devil tries to make us believe God’s commandments are outdated, oppressive, or impossible to follow. Don’t fall for these lies. Following God’s commandments always benefits you. Societal values may have changed, but God’s words will never change. A sin remains a sin no matter how society describes it. The peace and happiness you seek can only come from obeying God. The devil has nothing good to offer.

Are you being threatened with death for doing the right thing? Reflect on God’s words in today’s First reading: “Fear not, I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13). Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who said to the king: “Even if our God does not save us, we will not bow to your statue.” Yes, even if God decides not to prevent your death (as in the case of John the Baptist), be assured of a better life in heaven. Cast away your fears.