Jesus called our Saint of the Day the greatest of all those who had preceded him. ✝️
June 24, 2024
Hello John,
Reflecting on the life and significance of St. John the Baptist and his pivotal role in preparing the way for Jesus and his humble attitude towards him, serves as powerful examples for us. John's dedication to proclaiming the coming of the kingdom and calling for a reformation of life is truly inspiring.
In light of this, I'm reminded of the ongoing work carried out by organizations such as Franciscan Media, which seeks to spread the message of faith and spiritual renewal. Our commitment to sharing the teachings of Jesus and the saints resonates with the essence of John the Baptist's mission.
In support of our mission, I encourage you to consider making a donation to Franciscan Media. Your generosity will help us continue the valuable work of spiritual outreach, making a positive impact on the lives of many.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute. Donate today!
Jesus called John the greatest of all those who had preceded him: “I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John….” But John would have agreed completely with what Jesus added: “[Y]et the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28).
John spent his time in the desert, an ascetic. He began to announce the coming of the Kingdom, and to call everyone to a fundamental reformation of life. His purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. His baptism, he said, was for repentance. But one would come who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. John was not worthy even to untie his sandals. His attitude toward Jesus was: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30).
John was humbled to find among the crowd of sinners who came to be baptized the one whom he already knew to be the Messiah. “I need to be baptized by you” (Matthew 3:14b). But Jesus insisted, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15b). Jesus, true and humble human as well as eternal God, was eager to do what was required of any good Jew. Jesus thus publicly entered the community of those awaiting the Messiah. But making himself part of that community, he made it truly messianic.
The greatness of John, his pivotal place in the history of salvation, is seen in the great emphasis Luke gives to the announcement of his birth and the event itself—both made prominently parallel to the same occurrences in the life of Jesus. John attracted countless people to the banks of the Jordan, and it occurred to some people that he might be the Messiah. But he constantly deferred to Jesus, even to sending away some of his followers to become the first disciples of Jesus.
Perhaps John’s idea of the coming of the Kingdom of God was not being perfectly fulfilled in the public ministry of Jesus. For whatever reason, when he was in prison he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the Messiah. Jesus’ answer showed that the Messiah was to be a figure like that of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah. John himself would share in the pattern of messianic suffering, losing his life to the revenge of Herodias.
Reflection
John challenges us Christians to the fundamental attitude of Christianity—total dependence on the Father, in Christ. Except for the Mother of God, no one had a higher function in the unfolding of salvation. Yet the least in the kingdom, Jesus said, is greater than he, for the pure gift that the Father gives. The attractiveness as well as the austerity of John, his fierce courage in denouncing evil—all stem from his fundamental and total placing of his life within the will of God.
The spirituality of St. Francis is not so much about the heroic deed as it is about the heroic love with which even the smallest deed is done. That is very clear from the quintessential story of Perfect Joy. It is not what Francis and Leo endure from the abusive brother that counts. It is, as Francis says to Leo, when we bear such abuse and suffering, “remembering the sufferings of Christ, the Blessed One, and how He taught us to bear all things for love of Him, then write down, Brother Leo, ‘This is perfect joy.’” Francis loved Christ and wanted to die into his love who is the incarnation of how far God will go in his love for us. He wants to be one with the Beloved, even in his rejection and suffering and unjust death at the hands of those for whom he came to reveal the goodness and love of God.
It is the mystery of the cross of Christ, namely not what Christ endured, but why he endured. Love was the reason, a love that was divine and, as such, not only endured those three hours on the cross, but did so out of love, a love that embraced all human suffering.
Those that are ready to break negative patterns and experience greater internal freedom will find bold hope and transformation in this insightful book.
People sometimes think, “We worked hard. We earned it. We deserved it.” In fact, everything we have is a gift from God. No one can control what’s most important, like our own health and that of our loved ones. We often receive far more than we deserve.
Pray
God of forgiveness, on days when it seems there’s nothing to be grateful for, help us appreciate breath and life, water, trees and sky.
Show us again our welcome into the heart of your Son, where we are always at peace, forgiven, spacious and calm. Amen.
Act
Start a gratitude jar, placing change in it whenever you feel grateful. Then when the jar is full, donate the money to charity with a grateful heart.
Today’s Pause+Pray was written by Kathy Coffey. Learn more here!
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