Saints Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church
Today’s Gospel reading relates the testimony of John the Baptist (Jn 1:19-28). John is asked by Jewish Pharisees, Levites, and priests to identify himself. John admits he is neither Elijah, nor the Prophet, nor the Messiah (Jn 1:20-21). He claims his identity as “the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord” (Is 40, Jn 1:23) and “I baptize with water” (Jn 1:26). Among the people he was addressing were some who would eventually put Jesus to death. John is forerunner, precursor to the Messiah. His baptism with water prepares people for the baptism in spirit and fire by the Messiah (Lk 3:16) who, John points out, is in their midst… “one among you whom you do not recognize”(Jn 2:26) and will eventually put to death.
The passage from the First Letter of John was written to the early Christian community in response to the ongoing emergence of heresies including denial of the full humanity of Jesus and his relationship to the Father. The community is exhorted to stand true to the original apostolic teachings and not be misled by the “antichrists” that have emerged
(1 Jn 2:22-24). It is a simple, straightforward message that uses repetition to drive home this foundational truth: Jesus is the true Christ, Son of God. No one can come to the Father except through the Son. As children of God, this community was anointed and baptized into the fullness of truth. The Holy Spirit has given them knowledge of the Trinitarian God and the evangelist is telling them to trust their hearts and the knowledge they received from the Spirit (1 Jn 2:27). And he reminds them what has been promised them and what is at stake: eternal life (1 Jn 2:25).
The identities of both Jesus and John the Baptist are prominent themes in these Scriptures. Also, the early Christian community, because of their identity, is facing severe persecution and the ongoing threat of heresies as well. These realities required each and every member of the community to live their Christianity with vigilance and zeal.
I cannot imagine living under threat of execution for claiming my identity in Christ. When I ponder this though, what threats do I encounter every single day as I try and live out my identity as a Christian disciple? My first thought is that the culture I live in is practically anti-Christian. We can easily see this in the advertising, music, television, and so forth. But I wonder if a much bigger threat to my discipleship is complacency. I find myself feeling secure in my parish community, have fine Christian friends, and try to live the Christian life to which I have been called. Do I ever find myself saying “You can relax, you are on the right road” or (worse yet) “Relax! You have arrived!”? It is exactly in these moments I am threatened! Was there even one moment in Jesus’ ministry when he felt complacent? And what about John the Baptist? Perhaps being complacent is one of the most un-Christian places I can find myself. Complacency presumes that, not only have I arrived, but that I am the only thing of import in my life as a disciple. I would do well to keep the examples of Jesus and John the Baptist before my eyes. Both realized in the mission they were called to there was no room for complacency as long as there were hearts in need of conversion. And that is the very foundation of Christian discipleship.
As a member of this community of disciples, I am given the opportunity and responsibility to participate in this same mission each and every day. I think that today I will ask God to protect me always from becoming complacent. I pray our community of disciples will remain ever vigilant and fulfill our call with great zeal!
Oh Holy Immortal God,
Protect me from the threat of complacency.
Grant me the grace this day
to live my call with vigilance and zeal.
And may all my actions bring you great glory.
I ask this in the name of Jesus, your Son.
Amen.
- Gail Lyman