Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist
I often wonder “what is my calling?” What is God calling me to do today, this week and for the rest of my time on earth? Have I used my time thus far in a way that has answered the calling I have been given. Today’s readings remind me that it is not about having power, knowledge or strength when assessing my role as a disciple. I am best able to be “who I am called to be” when I recognize that all I have are gifts from God. When I recognize this and then gratefully use these blessings in a way that gives God credit for what I do, then I will become who I am called to be.
In the first reading, St. Paul tells the Corinthians that God does not choose the wise, powerful, or strong from this world. God uses those who are “lowly and despised” to do the work of the kingdom. These individuals who spread the good news are the ones who recognize that what they have- wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption- all of this is due to Christ. In their humility and trust they know that they can only “boast in the Lord”.
The responsorial psalm goes on further to describe those who God has chosen to be his own. These are the people who “hope in his kindness” and trust in him for help and protection. Again, these individuals show their deep dependence on God, and they recognize that they are blessed because of God’s goodness. Because of their openness to God, these people become God’s “chosen for his own inheritance.”
Today’s gospel reading tells the story of John the Baptist’s passion and death. John the Baptist illustrates how we are called to live as disciples of Christ. He is open to the Spirit as he preaches repentance at the Jordan. He uses his gifts and talents to share the good news with others. However, in total humility, he admits that he in “unworthy to untie the sandal straps of Jesus,” and “He must increase and I must decrease.” John the Baptist knows who he is because he has allowed God to be his guide and strength. John is able to become the “voice crying out in the wilderness” pointing to Jesus because John does not claim that he himself has the power or wisdom to bring about these changes. Many would have referred to John as a fool, since he wore camel skin, ate wild locust and honey, and told people to repent. But Jesus recognizes John’s greatness when he says, “Among those born of women, there is no one greater than John.” John is great not because of his gifts, but because of his openness to God’s call to him, his recognition that God is the source of all things, and his humble acceptance of who he is.
As I reflect on God’s calling, I realize that each of us have been given particular gifts. Some may be blessed with the gift of teaching, some are gifted in their ability to express themselves through art, music or dance, some are gifted with the gifts of consolation and comfort, and others are gifted with knowledge that allows them to build, create and heal. There are many gifts and great diversity in talents because God gives abundantly to all. Our goal to finding our calling is to prayerfully ask God to show us the gifts He has given, and then to use these gifts as we discern His call. “We are all God’s masterpiece.” (Ephesians 2:10) God has created us to reveal His love and beauty to the world. We become who we are called to be (God’s Masterpieces) by using our gifts as they have been given. When we humbly acknowledge the source of our gifts, then we become a true “work of art”- one where the Artist receives the praise and recognition for the beauty that has been created.
Loving Father, Jesus shows us how we are called to live by trusting in you in all things. Send down your Spirit so we may discern the gifts you have graciously given to us, and allow us to use these for your glory and praise. May we become who you call us to be through our humble trust in Your goodness and grace. We pray this through Christ our LORD. Amen
Marylynn Herchline