Homily Feast of the Infancy of John the Baptist (2020) “I Must Decrease”
Homily Feast of the Infancy of John the Baptist (2020) “I Must Decrease”
We might forget the John the Baptist was a major religious figure at the time of Christ. At the time of his death, he probably had many more disciples than Jesus did.
Josephus, the Roman historian, mentions several Biblical figures. One of them is John the Baptist. He talks about his movement and about how he dies.
This is important because it corroborates the fact that John lived and had a great deal of influence in Palestine. There were people who claimed to be followers of John the Baptist in Biblical lands until relatively recently.
What Christian Theology emphasizes is that John realized that his ministry was a precursor to the ministry of Jesus. He realized that he was setting the stage and Jesus would be the main actor in salvation history.
The key concept is that John recognized that his influence had to decrease as Jesus’ influence increased. The church chooses an interesting way of emphasizing this fact in its liturgical calendar.
June 25 (The Baptist’s birthday) marks the summer solstice. We have the most daylight of the year. From this point onward the days will get shorter until we reach Christmas which will be at the approximate time that we have the least hours of daylight.
The symbolism could not be starker. John’s birthday slowly gives way to his cousin Jesus. Once Jesus’ birth is celebrated, the days get longer again until the birth of John is celebrated again.
Reflection Questions:
1. John’s birth was unexpected. His parents were elderly and barren. He must have been told from a young age that he had an important mission. Do I feel like I have been chosen in some way?
2. Do I feel that Jesus’ influence must increase in me? Do I pray that I may have the mind of Jesus as I approach my problems?
Dear Parishioners,
I would like to offer some reminders today. If you wish to attend the weekend Masses in the church, please register online. Masses will be at 4 p.m. on Saturday and 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sunday. Go to our website or call in your name to our office. Registration closes at 9 a.m. Friday. Everyone must register every week. We will attempt to have another outdoor Mass outside Culemans Hall on Sunday at 9 a.m. weather permitting. If the weather is bad would have to livestream the Mass from church at 9 a.m. We could not shift to the church at the last minute because there probably be too many people in the church according to the health protocols. You do not have to sign up for 9 a.m. Mass ahead of time. Please bring your own chair.
Tomorrow (Thursday at 8 a.m.) we will have another livestream Mass and we will have Holy Communion in the parking lot after Mass outside the East Door of the church. We will also livestream the Saturday 4 p.m. Mass and have communion after that Mass outside.
Thanks to everyone who is cooperating with health protocols. It shows a great deal of love for fellow parishioners when we wear masks, distance, sanitize our hands, etc.
May Our Lady and the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark