DAILY HOMILIES #John the Baptist

As far back as the book of Numbers, Balaam had already prophesied about Jesus Christ. “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh: a star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.” (Numbers 24:17)

The joy of Christmas is God giving away his only son, Jesus, to save mankind. When we give gifts to others during Christmas or even make time to be with others, regardless of what it costs us, we incarnate Jesus. No wonder in today’s Gospel passage, we hear John the Baptist saying: “He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”

Today’s first reading pays a glowing tribute to Elijah. Not many people have such beautiful tributes. I once read a quote: “Live a good life so that no one will be forced to lie about you during your funeral.” Like John the Baptist, we are all called to become Elijah today.

The best remedy for bad fear is prayer. Yesterday, we heard the prophet Isaiah say, “That those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary.” Today, God assures us: “Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge… I will open rivers on the bare heights and fountains amid valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water…”

There is nothing in this life worth killing another person for. Nothing. Today’s first reading is worth pondering to anyone involved in Yahoo Plus (ritual killing) and those considering it. What will you gain by taking another person’s life? Everything in this world is just a mere breath. You will get tired of everything one day. You may even become irritated with money. Meanwhile, you can never replace the life you have taken.

Herod was not thinking straight when he promised even half his kingdom to a little girl. What if she had asked for his head? Think before you speak. Be a master of your emotions. In moments of anger, hold it. In moments of excitement, hold it also. Learn the habit of speaking to God and hearing from him before talking.

Prophesying is not the same as giving a merely motivational speech. There is an aspect of prophecy that causes discomfort to its listeners. Preaching truth takes work. Anyone determined to take this path must be prepared for death.

New wine is good. Old wine is also good. The problem is using old wineskins to store new wine or vice versa. This parable points to the importance of timing. Your plans may be perfect, but if it isn’t the right time, you will pour new wine into an old wineskin. Sometimes, God does not answer our prayers because He knows the timing is wrong. Do not lose trust in God. If the wedding guests cannot fast now, the time will come when they will have no choice but to fast.

In John the Baptist, we learn that no human life comes into existence randomly. God does the selection, arrangement, and planning. We existed in God’s mind even before we were formed in our mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 says: “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb.”

Our celebration today brings our Christmas celebration to an end. Jesus is no longer a baby but a fully grown man. From tomorrow, we enter the season of Ordinary Time. Like Jesus, our baptism should be a necessary launch pad for great things in God’s kingdom. We shouldn’t be content with possessing a baptismal certificate. We must put it to work.

Rise above the world; do not be conditioned by it. Yes, we all are victims of poverty; we are all struggling to survive harsh conditions, but it doesn’t mean we can be bought. Be that person who would not move even if offered all the money in the world. Let your faith in Jesus go beyond lips service.

If we claim to be children of God, there are certain things we should never do, whether or not anyone is watching us. As children of God, we should never be ashamed or afraid of living righteously. On the other hand, we should not assume that everyone is a child of God.