JOHN THE BAPTIST BACK ON STAGE

 

January 9, 2023

On the second Sunday of Advent John the Baptist makes his annual appearance, preparing the way for the One who is to come by calling the people to repentance. The precursor, the forerunner does his job over the following weeks, and then, on cue, disappears, his mission ended. His place the stage is taken by the familiar cast of the Christmas play: Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, and, of course, the Babe. John is forgotten.

Same place next day

Then, when Church's Christmas Season officially ends with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, John reenters the stage to baptize Jesus, who is now thirty years old. He has been given new lines to say, however. He is no longer telling people to prepare (since Jesus is standing there; rather he now announces Jesus´ mission. So, you would think that John's role is certainly finished at this point in the story. Nope!

I was a bit surprised to find the Baptist back (or should I say "still") on stage this week, in his new role as the interpreter of Jesus' mission. He certainly does a good job of explaining:

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,

"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

He is the one of whom I said,

'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me

because he existed before me.'

I did not know him,

but the reason why I came baptizing with water

was that he might be made known to Israel."

John testified further, saying,

"I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven

and remain upon him.

I did not know him,

but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,

'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,

he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'

Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God." (Jn 1:29-34)

This will turn out to be his last appearance for awhile; next week's gospel passage begins "When Jesus heard that John had been arrested..." As I said above, I was surprised to find John back on stage, and took the occasion to ask myself what further role he plays in our spiritual life after the Christmas season is over.

For one thing, I can let him speak to my heart the way he did to the hearts of the people crowded along the banks of the Jordan, and allow him to call me to repentance, even to conversion.

Or how about this: In order to fulfill his role, he had to be ready to recognize Jesus when He came to him asking to be baptized. How prepared am I to recognize Jesus when He comes to me asking to be comforted by a smile or a simple gesture? How prepared am I to recognize Him when he approaches me asking me to wash his feet, or to give him something to eat?There are lots of other themes that revolve around John and his message, such as light (cf Jn 1:1ff), and courageous preaching. 

He is a good companion to have along in our spiritual journey toward the kingdom. In fact, next week we will hear Jesus take up John's message word for word: "Repent, for the Kingdom is a hand!"

May we continue to enjoy John's challenging company throughout the new year!