Background: This text should sound familiar. Last week’s gospel was taken from Matthew’s description of the Baptism of Jesus. This Sunday’s text is from John’s gospel and, while it does not actually describe the baptism of Jesus, it is the Baptist’s testimony of that baptism. The evangelist John is using the testimony of John the Baptist to making the case that Jesus was, indeed, the long-awaited messiah.
People of the day brought their disputes to the elders of the community. Those on either side of the dispute would bring their “witnesses,” who would, with great passion, present reasons for supporting the side of the person they favored. The side with the strongest witnesses in terms of number, status in the community, and passionate arguments usually carried the argument. John uses this familiar practice in the way he has composed his gospel. The witnesses he calls upon throughout his gospel are John the Baptist, Jesus’ own works, the Hebrew Scriptures, and God.
John the Baptist is a very important witness because of his reputation as a person who spoke the truth. In addition, there were those who wondered if the Baptist was the messiah. John describes John the Baptist this way, “A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.” (John 1:5-8) The gospel indicates that a great many people came out to be baptized by John.
Those opposed to the idea of Jesus as the Messiah, the scribes and Pharisees, also opposed the Baptist and questioned his authority to baptize.
Right before the section that is the text for this Sunday, the evangelist reminds his community of this fact. “When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites (to him) to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ So they asked him, ‘What are you then? Are you Elijah?’ And he said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ So they said to him, ‘Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?’ He said: ‘I am “the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as Isaiah the prophet said.’ Some Pharisees were also sent to John the Baptist. They asked him, ‘Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.’” (John 1:19-27) Having heard this description of John the Baptist, the people would see him as a respected and powerful witness. Therefore his testimony that Jesus is the Messiah is very powerful.
The text that will be read omits “The next day he …” This short phrase may be an awkward way to begin the proclamation, but it does help those who hear the gospel to know that John is not recording the event of Jesus’ baptism, but is instead recording the Baptist’s testimony about it. John does not actually describe the baptism. He describes the descent of the Holy Spirit, in the sign of a dove, and the revelations that God had given him: he would recognize the Messiah, one who was sent by this sign. It is because of the fulfillment of that revelation that he now testifies to who Jesus is. Twice in the text John says, “I did not know him.” However, it was through the power of God at work that he recognized the significance of Jesus. This would seem to suggest that, on the surface, there was not anything significantly different or special about Jesus. Also noteworthy is that the tone of the Baptist’s testimony, as recorded here, is subdued compared to the fiery character found in Matthew’s Gospel. “John wore clothing made of camel's hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey... when many of the Pharisees and Sadducees came to his baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.” (Matthew 3:5-8) John the Baptist seems to have lost the wild, prophetic character and taken on a more reasoned assessment of his own role and of the importance of Jesus.
Reflection Questions:
Do you ever find yourself making decisions on the advice of others rather than on the available facts?
How prone are you to do research before making decisions?
In the last verse of the gospel text, John the Baptist states that he testifies to what he has experienced and seen.
What is your experience of God working in your life?
Are you called, in some way, to give testimony to God’s presence in the world?
Twice in the text John admits, “I did not know him.” Yet he gives such strong testimony to who Jesus is.
How can John admit that he does not know him and at the same time give such strong testimony?
How difficult do you think it was for the Baptist to admit and accept the fact that his cousin, Jesus, was a much more important and significant person?
Have there been times in your own journey when you had to admit that you were not as important as you yourself thought?
What were some of the things that helped you through that transition?
How is the journey of self-discovery before God taking place in your life now?
Does this gospel shed any light on that journey?
John says in the text, “I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” What seems to be the underlying purpose to your life?
Is this enough for you?
Do you think it is enough for God?
On Wednesday of each week, the Gospel and reflection questions for the upcoming Sunday are posted at the following link: http://il-ritiro.org/gospel-reflections.aspx. You are invited to share your own reflection and comments with others at this website. Reflection questions are written by Fr. Paul Gallagher, OFM. They are edited by Sister Anne Marie Lom, OSF and Joe Thiel. To be added to the distribution list, send your name and email address to fr.paul.gallagher.ofm@gmail.com. Please include this information when printing or forwarding.
