The WORD in other words (2009) by Fr Cyril Ortega SVD – Abra
Friday 4th Week in Ordinary Time
John the Baptist was a righteous and holy man, but this cost him his life. Truly humble in character, he felt unworthy to stoop down and untie the thong of the sandals of the Lord Jesus. When Jesus appeared on the scene, the joy of John had been fulfilled. He humbly accepted the thought that Jesus had to increase in popularity while he had to decrease. As he would say it he had to make way for the Lord. Accordingly, the people would run into their eyes towards Jesus and follow him as their promised Messiah.
When John began his ministry in the wilderness of Judea, his message was, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Mt 3,2) To this he added, “Bear fruit worthy of repentance.” (Mt 3,8) In other words, it is insufficient to say that one had repented . Such repentance must manifest loving words and actions of charity towards others.
John the Baptist was a prophet who spoke boldly. He did not tolerate hypocrisy from anyone, not even Herod the ruler. John publicly condemned the adulterous affair of Herod with Herodias, his brother’s wife. Herod had John thrown in prison. (Some think like Herod. Because they have power, they cannot be touched by anyone.)
During his imprisonment, John’s faith was tested. He asked himself if Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah. Like all other Jewish people of his time, John was expecting the realization of a worldly messianic kingdom, but could not understand the reason for the delay.
Consequently, John sent his disciples to Jesus and asked him if Jesus was the One who has to come or they had to wait for another. Jesus answered, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are pleased, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” (Mt 11,4-6)
John the Baptist is a Christian model worthy of emulation. He persevered in his faith, seeking nothing other that to serve and obey God in humility. Equally, we are called many times during our lives to walk in total faith, seeking nothing other than to serve and to obey God in humility. Today, let us reflect upon John the Baptist and ask the Lord Jesus to sanctify us to that we, too, may enjoy the persevering strength that John had until his last breath.
