Small... but Terrible!
By Gabriel Antonio S. Madrid
June 25, 2017
June 25, 2017
There are but three people whose nativities are piously observed as celebrations in the liturgical calendar. First is, of course, our Lord Jesus Christ. Second is that of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Third, which is very interesting, is that of John the Baptist. One may ask, of all the Holy Men and Women of God why choose to celebrate the Birth of John the Baptist? Perhaps the better question can be, why not celebrate his nativity? There are a lot of babies born by the minute throughout the world, though in an unexpected time, it seemed all too ordinary for the relatives of Elizabeth and Zechariah that this child is to be born. As expected there were already a lot of speculations and expectations to label him and what he might become as he grows. But they were certainly proven wrong that this is but an average child, when the wonders of what he is destined to be gradually unfolded before their eyes. John, from the moment of his birth was indeed a sign of God's truth. A truth that shall indeed set us free, as he freed his Father Zechariah from the punishment of his unbelief. A truth that dares to expose error and aim to enlighten the corrupt mind, as John did with Herod. But most of all, a truth that shall pave the way for the greater way, the brighter truth and the new life, Jesus.
Small he may be as of the moment, dear brothers and sisters...but great was his destiny! Yes, he was great in his mission set by God, powerful was he in his preaching and many were his followers, but again, he remained in the truth of his purpose that he is not "The One" that everyone is waiting for. John was but the precursor of his cousin Jesus, and he remained within his bounds even until death. Little was mentioned of John the Baptist in the gospels. But we can indeed learn many things from this man whom we commemorate today. I would like to impart three. First, every child is beloved by God, fearfully and wonderfully made and filled with many possibilities from the moment he or she is born. Each child deserves to be cared for, loved and nurtured that one day he or she may have the strength to carry out what God has in store for him in this life. Second, it is not shameful to live in the truth. It may hurt at times but it can also set one free. It's very hard to find truth nowadays in a world of dishonesty. But through the example of Saint John, we are called to be truthful not only to others but also to ourselves that we might not stray into the darkness of lies. Third, John remained as God has instructed him to be and not overstepping his bounds. He descended so that Christ may ascend. Like St. John, let us pray to Our Lord that we may be humble of heart catalysts of goodness that we can pave the way for others to know Christ and make Him loved and adored.
Truly, God is gracious for sending people like St. John the Baptist to remind us keep following Jesus, amidst the ires of the times where people are persecuted for defending what is good and just. After all, the name John means "God is gracious". Dear friends, as we celebrate today the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, let us contemplate on how such a man, though little was known of him, became indeed a worthy model of integrity and truth. We are challenged to decrease in our selfishness so that we may pave the way for an increase of faith, hope and love of Jesus in our hearts. Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made by God, filled with potential and purpose. Let us pray to God that through the example of St. John the Baptist, we may humbly live up to that potential and purpose God has set for us, living in the light of faith and truth. Little our hearts may be, we may stumble and fall, but we can always make big room for love of God and love of neighbour.
Small he may be as of the moment, dear brothers and sisters...but great was his destiny! Yes, he was great in his mission set by God, powerful was he in his preaching and many were his followers, but again, he remained in the truth of his purpose that he is not "The One" that everyone is waiting for. John was but the precursor of his cousin Jesus, and he remained within his bounds even until death. Little was mentioned of John the Baptist in the gospels. But we can indeed learn many things from this man whom we commemorate today. I would like to impart three. First, every child is beloved by God, fearfully and wonderfully made and filled with many possibilities from the moment he or she is born. Each child deserves to be cared for, loved and nurtured that one day he or she may have the strength to carry out what God has in store for him in this life. Second, it is not shameful to live in the truth. It may hurt at times but it can also set one free. It's very hard to find truth nowadays in a world of dishonesty. But through the example of Saint John, we are called to be truthful not only to others but also to ourselves that we might not stray into the darkness of lies. Third, John remained as God has instructed him to be and not overstepping his bounds. He descended so that Christ may ascend. Like St. John, let us pray to Our Lord that we may be humble of heart catalysts of goodness that we can pave the way for others to know Christ and make Him loved and adored.
Truly, God is gracious for sending people like St. John the Baptist to remind us keep following Jesus, amidst the ires of the times where people are persecuted for defending what is good and just. After all, the name John means "God is gracious". Dear friends, as we celebrate today the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, let us contemplate on how such a man, though little was known of him, became indeed a worthy model of integrity and truth. We are challenged to decrease in our selfishness so that we may pave the way for an increase of faith, hope and love of Jesus in our hearts. Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made by God, filled with potential and purpose. Let us pray to God that through the example of St. John the Baptist, we may humbly live up to that potential and purpose God has set for us, living in the light of faith and truth. Little our hearts may be, we may stumble and fall, but we can always make big room for love of God and love of neighbour.