THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (C)

Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80

As we hear Luke’s description of the chain of events leading up to the birth of John the Baptist 2000 years ago, we may listen with a bit of skepticism and wonder if it really happened that way. It is as if it could happen then but not today. We may think the individuals were “play-acting” and it was just a story. However, that’s not the case. These were real people, living their lives as we live ours. Zechariah had to be confused. Why would he be struck dumb … why would an angel tell him to name his son John? Has any father here been told by an angel what name you should give your son? You might get a lot of suggestions but not from an angel! But this is exactly what happened to Zechariah. God had a purpose and there was a reason for John being born at this particular time in history to this particular family.

If it happened today, historians would refer to John as the first superstar of Christianity. He became the first martyr. He was a close associate of Jesus, Himself, and baptized Him. We know from Christ’s comments that He considered John a friend and also seemed to admire him tremendously. But at the time this event occurred these were ordinary people just like we are.
Because they were like we are there is one quality they possessed that we should study carefully. They believed in God, Yahweh, and they obeyed His commands. When asked for the name of the new born child, everyone assumed he would be named Zechariah. However, Zechariah had been commanded by Yahweh to name the boy John. When asked what name the child would be named, he wrote out the word “John” even though there was no one else in the family who had that name.

So, as we read the history of the lives of those who were to be associated with Jesus, we begin to understand there was a purpose in everything that took place. However, we seldom apply that same analysis to our individual lives. We might say, “Well, God never had any plans for me. He didn’t single out my life to be something special.” But that’s a mistake. God has a plan for each of our lives but we must recognize this fact and live accordingly.

Zechariah was obedient to Yahweh. One part of God’s plan for each of us is that we also obey His commandments. Whether we be 10 years old or 80 years old we know He wants us to be obedient … we know he wants us to follow John’s example by spending time in prayer and fasting ... we know He wants us to give an example, as John did, so that others might be attracted to follow Jesus Christ. Our immediate response might be, “Who, me?” Yes ... us!

Our destiny may not be as important as that of John the Baptist but we have the same responsibilities as he did. Here are a few examples. Both Zechariah and John made difficult decisions.

We know there will be times in our lives when we will have to make decisions as to whether or not we will have the courage to publicly profess our faith to those around us. You, young people here today, will be tempted. Others you know will encourage you to become involved in drugs, sex and alcohol and to ignore the advice to follow God’s commandments. That can force you to make difficult decisions, one that might effect your popularity but it will not be as difficult as the one John made. He would not renounce God or Jesus and, for that reason, he lost his life. That’s a pretty big penalty to pay for the decision to obey God.

However, I believe everyone here would agree that it was the right decision and that by making that decision, John not only assumed a place in history but also in Heaven. His example is important to all of us.... to businessmen or women who are asked to use unethical tactics in the course of their careers ... to millions of expectant mothers who are tempted to terminate a pregnancy ... to all of us who may not be as committed to prayer, fasting and spreading the Word of God as was John the Baptist.

Isaiah tells us exactly what God asks of us when, in the first reading, he writes: “The Lord called me from birth ... you are my servant, He said to me, through whom I show my glory.”
Sisters and brothers: God is speaking to us just as He spoke to Zechariah. He is asking us to show our friends and associates HIS glory by the way we live our lives and how we follow His example. We hear His words each Sunday as we gather here and we determine, young and old, whether we will follow the example of Zechariah and John the Baptist and listen to His words and act as He has commanded us or if we freely decide to ignore His invitation.

What we read today is not ancient history. It’s not as if what God said 2000 years ago has stopped applying to us in the 21st century. That’s why we come here to Mass each Sunday. Some may say, “But I don’t get anything out of the homily.” While it may be an important part of the ceremony, we don’t come to hear the homily. We come to worship God and to hear the words He has directed the prophets and the evangelists to pass on to us for our benefit.

And so, listen closely to His words. Today, Isaiah writes. “I will make you a light to the nations that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” And the psalmist adds: “I give you thanks for I am fearfully, wonderfully made; wonderful are your works (oh God).”
Yes, both those passages apply to each of us as do the other readings we hear each Sunday.

Understand that He promises to us the same glory He promised to John. Let’s be realistic. I feel sure we won’t have to make decisions on which our very lives will depend but we must make decisions that will have an effect on something much more important ... decisions that are correct, even when they are difficult, that will have an effect on our spiritual and eternal lives.

Zechariah was asked to make a decision and he responded affirmatively. John was asked to make a decision and he responded affirmatively and it cost him his life. God asks that we make decisions that will have an effect on our lives today and for all eternity. WHAT WILL BE OUR ANSWER TO HIM? HOW WILL WE RESPOND?