Today, in the Gospel, we heard about the confession of John the Baptist when he was asked to identify himself, “Who are you?”
One of the things any immigrant needs to get accustomed to is this kind of question, “Where do you come from?” Sometimes the question comes with overtones and a lack of respect, and other times the question is made politely with good intentions. Truth be told, many people do not know how to ask such a question, especially those who have traveled outside the boundaries of their own country. Those who have traveled overseas or lived overseas are familiar with such questions, though sometimes odd or awkward: “Where do you come from? Which country do you come from?”
The question addressed to John the Baptist was an opportunity for him to introduce himself. John confesses to being a voice sent by God to prepare the way of the Lord. John confesses that he is not the Christ.
Were those sent by the Pharisee content with his answers? Of course not. They were not satisfied with this answer.
John confessed over and over again that he was not the Christ. He was only a precursor and a messenger. John is preparing the way of the Christ who is come, who stands among the people. John is a voice preparing his way.
The Gospel recalls the public actions of John the Baptist to identify Jesus as the Lamb of God. John the Baptist recalls the baptism of Jesus and that he saw the Spirit descend upon Jesus.
Today the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen. St. Basil was born to a Christian family in Caesarea, Cappadocia (Turkey). For some years, he followed the monastic way of life. He vigorously fought the Arian heresy. He became Bishop of Caesarea in 370. He saw the Church of his day torn apart by envy, rivalry, heresy, and pollical intrigue. He worked tirelessly and wrote and pleaded for unity. He was a thorn in the flesh of the Arian officials of the empire who desperately tried to make him recant. Basil sent back the emperor’s emissaries home with the message that the bishop of Caesarea was not afraid of the “confiscation of goods”; he had already given up everything. Nor was he afraid of exile or fire, sword, beast, and instruments of torture. The emperor backed down and left Basil alone.
St. Gregory (330-390) was born into an aristocratic family in Cappadocia. His father ( also named Gregory) was a bishop. In the East, married clergy is customary. A friend of Basil, he too followed the monastic way of life for some years. Both Basil and Gregory went to a rhetorical school in Caesarea. In 381 became Bishop of Constantinople. It was during this period when the Arian heresy was at its height.
Like John, both Basil and Gregory were called to bear witness to Christ. They were faithful to the end. May you and I answer our call daily, following in the footsteps of Christ our Master and Lord.
Have a wonderful Week
