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Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Saint John the Baptist: A Prophet and more than a Prophet

Even though our Church celebrates in the month of June the feasts of St Justin the martyr, St Boniface, St Barnabas, St Anthony of Padua, St Aloysius Gonzaga, Sts Thomas More, John Fisher and other English saints, St Cyril of Alexandria, Sts Peter and Paul, among them St John the Baptist stands out as a man of great boldness and veracity. He is a prophet with difference.  He is one of the major figures of our Church whose feast we celebrate with solemnity not once but twice. First being his birthday on the 24th June another being his beheading on the 29th of August.

However, there are a number of lessons that we can draw from him.

The Virgin and Child with St John the
Baptist by Sandro Botticelli probably
about 1482-98
John the Baptist – the John the Baptizer. John was a figure of transition, precursor of the Lord “the caesura between the Period of Israel and the Period of Jesus.” He belongs to both: to the Period of Israel by circumcision and incorporation into the Israel of God; to the Period of Jesus because he inaugurates the age when salvation was to be accomplished.  John’s whole life, John’s short life, was spent going before Jesus to prepare his ways. 

Gabriel had told Zechariah to give his promised son the name John (Lk 1:13). An appropriate name, for in Hebrew it means “Yahweh is gracious.” This child would “filled with the Holy Sprit, even from his mother’s womb,” would become an ascetic of Israel, would walk “in the power and spirit of Elijah,” would turn many Israelites to their Lord. (1: 15-17)


 In his canticle Zechariah sings of his son as Yahweh’s “prophet” (1: 76), a mouthpiece of God, a man who utters God’s word with authority to human beings. In preparation, John spent his youth in the  wilderness  of Judea, “possibly the Jordan Valley.” It may be that he was adopted by the Essences of Qumran, to be molded in their ways. 

When John appeared in the region of the Jordan, what the Jews saw was not a priest like his father, but a preacher clothed in camel’s hair, the traditional garb of the prophets. What was his message?  He saw Isaiah’s “voice crying in the wilderness” (Isa 40:3). His message was as stern as his garb and his diet: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Mt 3:2). Repent!  The Greek word means “change your mind,” “change your thinking”, “turn about,” “return”, “be converted.” John was telling his fellow Jews to reform their lives, to return to the way of life demanded by the covenant God and Israel, to be faithful to the promise of their fathers.  With him the kingdom of God was beginning to unfold. He preached a moral reform designed to prepare the Jews for the coming of the Messiah. Abraham your father will not save you; unless you bear good fruit, you will be cut down like a barren tree and cast into the fire. Interior conversion indeed, but visibly proclaimed by baptism with water and a confession of sin. 

Stern yes, but humane as well. No profession is denied salvation – not the tax collector, not the soldier. What is demanded is that they act justly, reveal love. And always, everywhere, “He who is mightier than I is coming (Lk 3:16); always  “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn 3:30). It is a thesis inscribed in liturgical stone; for “just as the birthday of Jesus was fixed at December 25, the time of the winter solstice after which the days grow longer… so John the Baptist’s birthday was fixed at June 24, the time of the summer solstice after which the days grow shorter. 

And, like so many preachers of justice throughout history, John paid a price: imprisonment and death. This man whom Jesus declared Elias- come to life again, the one about whom Malachi wrote, “I am sending my messenger ahead of you, to prepare the way before you” (Lk 7:27; cf Mal 3:1), had frightened tetrarch Herod Antipas: This persuasive reformer might instigate a popular rebellion. More than that, he had denounced Herod to his face for his sinful marriage with his brother’s wife (Mk 8:18), had reproved him “for all the evil things that Herod had done” (Lk 3:19). And one more courageous head fell victim to injustice for Justice’ sake.

Secondly, this man whom Jesus had lauded as “a prophet and more than a prophet” (Lk 7:26) does not exist in splendid isolation. 

What manner of men were the Old Testament prophets?

How did they address the people?

First, the Hebrew prophet is extraordinarily sensitive to evil, to injustice – so much so that at times he seems to pay excessive attention to trivialities, to what we might deplore but have learned to live with.  “To us a single act of injustice… is slight; to the prophet, a disaster. To us injustice is injurious to the welfare of the people; to the prophets it is a deathblow to existence; to us, an episode; to them, a catastrophe, a threat to the world.” (Abraham J. Heschel’s The Prophets). 

Second, and in consequence, this “man who feels fiercely”, who is stunned by human greed, whose prophecy is the voice God has lent to the silent agony of the plundered poor, this man in whose voice God rages, this man rarely sings; he shocks. Listen to Isaiah:
Tremble, you women who are at ease,
Shudder, you complacent ones;
Strip, and make yourselves bare,
And gird sackcloth upon your loins.” Isa 32: 11

Third: the Hebrew prophet is an iconoclast. He challenges sacred institutions, sacred beliefs, sacred persons. Those those who keep mouthing “This is the temple of the Lord” Jeremiah insists that the temple will not save; they must amend their ways, execute justice (7:4-5). As long as faithfulness is far from the people, frankinsense from Sheba makes no sense, sacrifice is unacceptable (Jer 6:20). The kings anointed to shepherd Israel Ezekiel cries: “The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the crippled you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them.” (34: 4-5)

Fourth, the prophet is a man embarrassed, lonely, frustrated. Embarrassed because, while others are predicting peace and prosperity, he threatens disaster and destruction. Lonely because he alienates simply everyone: not only the wicked but the pious, not only cynics but believers, not only princes but priests, not only false prophets but judges. Frustrated like Jeremiah: “For 23 years… I have spoken persistently to you, but you have not listened” (25:3).  “To the patriots they seemed pernicious; to the pious multitude, blasphemous; to the men in authority, seditious.”

Fifth, the prophet’s words are charged with divine power because he has experienced God’s own pathos. He is not interested in God’s essence; his God is not the Wholly Other.  He has encountered the God of the covenant, involved in history, with a  stake in the human situation, intimately affected by events. He has experienced God “as living care”. He has seen not only as human failure but as divine frustration – a God not only loving and compassionate but disappointed, indignant, angry. He not only hears God’s voice; he feels God’s heart. How, then, can he ever speak dispassionately, serene and unruffled? How can his words be ever other than aflame, afire with a God whose living is caring?

The Hebrew prophets, like the Baptist, compel my third point: today’s prophet. Not one who predicts the future; rather, the primary sense of scriptural prophecy: the word of one inspired by God to speak in God’s name; How do John and his predecessors help us to uncover the qualities demanded of the prophetic priest in our time? 

A final word. Like John, we too are called to “go before the Lord to prepare his ways.” Two thoughts are pertinent for that privilege: the incredible intimacy of prophets like Isaiah, and John with their Lord, and their passionate concern for their people. To hear the word we must love the Lord who speaks it – love with al our strength and spirit. And to speak that word ourselves, to inflame the hearts of the faithful, we must love the Lord’s paradoxical people with a crucifying passion. Only if we love dare we address to them the word that sears as it heals. Only if we love dare we proclaim “hear, O new Israel! The word of the Lord has come unto me.”

(Originally, part of it was presented as a recollection talk to a teaching and student fraternity in Bangalore 2019)

- Olvin Veigas, SJ
24th June 2020, The Solemnity of St John the Baptist

17 comments:

Unknown said...

Good morning dear Father. Your article here reminds me of your special day. So, I dare to wish you an Extra Spectacular Birthday. Thanks to St. John the Baptist,a man of great boldness and veracity for making me so privileged to be part of your day.
Father, what a stunning contribution! I can't thank you enough for exceeding all our expectations that we have dreamt for. Great Message! Thanks for hitting the ball out of the park!
Your message for the day sowed the seed of change in the hearts of every reader. Your content starting from introduction to conclusion is crystal clear of what we want for every Christian to reflect upon.
Your message here unfold the fact that tells us how John the Baptist,in all humility, publicly acknowledge his role as only the Messiah's herald. His predominant role in the history of salvation as the forerunner of the Messiah. He was a light to the nation. " Be the finger of John the Baptist." says Karl Barth,a great theologian. As a Christian, our job is to be simply point out to Jesus on the cross. This message of yours is very relevant for all ages and for all times. Your dedication to your work is exemplary. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into your your work that we may benefit from it in all possible ways. For your work that has the touch of magical power of God,I remain here with gratitude.

Unknown said...

Nothing can be more powerful than the power of words. It leaves a great impact on the lives of millions of people around them.
Father dear, here I would like to pass my sincere appreciation for your article of this auspicious day that grabs the attention from the very beginning. I love to admire the Saint, who played a great role in the salvation history. He is the last of all the prophets filled with the Holy Spirit, made everyone surprised even from his very birth.
The parents gratitude for this unexpected joy, the miraculous birth of the child to the elderly parents and the miraculous healing received by Zechariah and his prophetic hymn about the mission of his son, prompted the the people gathered there to ask a question," What will this child be? He is our great role model, as his exemplary life and activities should become example for all of us to follow. In all his simplicity and humility he says,He who is mightier than I is coming.(LK;3:16) He must increase and I must decrease. (Jn;3:30). This phrase I love the most in the whole of the Holy Bible and this should be our attitude as a torch bearers of Christ message around the globe. Thank you Father for being a light in our lives through your inspirational message. I'm absolutely blown away by your words of wisdom. Big thanks!

Unknown said...

Good morning dear Father. Amazing work! Your message on the days extraordinary Saint of all times is an eye opener and you have left a lasting impression on every reader of your articles.
John the Baptist is the greatest of all the sons and daughters of man.He devoted his entire life to the Lord. He was committed to the point of even being ready to suffering and Martyrdom. And more courageous to give his head for injustice for justice sake. Excellent reflections for everyone who crave for this great Saint. To be frank it's for this message I have been praying, for day and night. My heartfelt thanks to God for gifting me this treasure through your article. You are the ray of light to all. I remain grateful to you Father.

Anush D'Cunha SJ said...

Dear Fr Olvin,

Thought provoking and timely insights. Well done.

Happy to read such an article on your birthday.
Happy Birthday and many many happy returns of the day.

Good luck.

Unknown said...

Dear Rev.Fr.Olvin, I felt elated and lost myself while going through the wisdom packed in your article. Thank you for awakening us with your warm thoughts. As I reflect on the message you have left for us on the life of John the Baptist,I too reflect on the fascination that you have for the great work of God. My heart is filled with gratitude, happiness,a sense of fulfillment as it helps me spend my time fruitful. As I read through your article, I could recall the quote from Bernard Shaw,"All reasonable men adept themselves to the world. Only a few unreasonable ones persists in trying to adapt the world to themselves." I leave this quote for reflections of all who desire to read this article com comments. I pray that God will bestow the greatest blessings on you and your family members. I need to be blessed by you. Thank you Father.

Unknown said...

Rev. Guruji Fr. Olvin,
Thank you for surprising all of us with a wonderful gift of this timely article. I could honestly say that your message is thought provoking and capture the minds of many that we can't remain lukewarm but are forced to ponder the real meaning of the Holy Message. Summer reminds me of coconut and your articles. Like a coconut your messages are soft, sweet, fascinating and enlightening to read and reflect inside but are very hard to practice outside. Here you inviting us to have the courage of John the Baptist, who lived by the golden words,"Practice what you preach." Thank you for everything. Like him, let us aspire that the kingdom of God unfold through our endless efforts of giving Christ to the world.

Unknown said...

Your inspiring thoughts on the days reading is a moment of my spiritual strength which energized my deep faith. Your message made me to pray for our parents, Godparents and every one who are the very reason for what we are today. Because they are the ones who gave the courage of Christian convictions as John the Baptist. We need to become heralds of Christ as he was by our transparent Christian life. One word spoken by God transformed the life of John the Baptist whose life was great inspiration to all. Here I remember your founder and St.Francis Xavier of their magical power of words and transformation for greater work of God. Thank you very much Father for being a light in our lives.

Unknown said...

Words fail me when I realise that they would be insufficient in expressing my gratitude for your article that I found as an invaluable assets to be cherished and practiced. It throws a challenge for me and for all that we need to be walking the talk moving to the world of injustice to proclaim Christ message. Here I salute Rani Maria for her daring step to be one with the poor and needy, defending their rights to the extent of giving her life. As I have gone through your article some good number of times,I feel this is suitable for all and can be used exactly as they are for any recollections and other spiritual activities for all age groups. Thank you Father for your selfless contribution to take us all very closer to God. I humbly request you all to read and reflect on this wonderful message. Thanks.

Therese said...

Thanks be to God! Wish you happy birthday father Olive. I love this word of God "He must increase and I must decrease" (jn 3:30)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful reflection! St. John the Baptist was born with a specific purpose designed by God. And he was committed to it facing all challenges and trials and bore witness to christ. Father, your life also is designed by God for a special purpose and you are committed to it. It is very obvious in the way to keep writing, inspiring others and giving witness to christ. May God bless you abundantly on your special day. May St. John the Baptist intercede for you.

Unknown said...

" Gratitude makes sense of our past,brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow." Infact nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart. It's with simplicity and humility I'm here with heart full of gratitude to you for your hard work and commitment in bringing out this heartening article which is a real enlightenment to transform ourselves and others. Just say my humble thanks to you Father.

Anonymous said...

Awesome read!
Period of Jesus because he inaugurates the age when salvation was to be accomplished - is a great thought! Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Good evening Father. Thanks for your article that gives me an opportunity to share about the words of wisdom of Pope Francis that exactly seems to be in appreciation of your great work.
He says," Let's learn from the one who was the forerunner of Jesus, the ability to bear witness to the Gospel with courage, beyond our own differences, while preserving the harmony and friendship that form the basis of incredible proclamation of the faith.
John the Baptist and king David know how to draw people's attention to the true God. He prayed that their example might be a source of encouragement for the faithful. So that, we may seek God's friendship through our prayers and our example might help bringing God to people and people to God. I just wanted to conclude with this humble words of mine," Your work speaks volumes about your nobility." Thank you Father

Unknown said...

Your message is genuinely appreciatiable that has power to make a difference in the lives of millions of people of good will. It transformed me and surely do the same with others. Beautiful, wonderful and surprising gift, I ever have in my life.

Anonymous said...

The blog post on John the Baptist is an excellent spiritual article. Thanks for the painstaking efforts in communicating such a great teaching to people like me who are ignorant and casual sometimes in spiritual matters.

I have a great desire to love the Lord passionately and His people too with greater passion as was John the Baptist. Please do pray for me Fr. Olvin, as you are in my prayers. I pray to find you in good health.

Great capacity for writing. Best wishes for further excellence.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the spiritual sharing. I like them and feel inspired to rise above the ordinary. Kind regards.

Anonymous said...

The blog post on John the Baptist is an excellent spiritual article. Thanks for the painstaking efforts in communicating such a great teaching to people like me who are ignorant and casual sometimes in spiritual matters.
I have a great desire to love the Lord passionately and His people too with greater passion as was John the Baptist. Great capacity for writing. Best wishes for further excellence.