Readings for Jan. 11-12, The Baptism of the Lord

By Fr. Edward Looney | For On Mission

The people who heard John proclaim the kingdom and who received his baptism of repentance began to wonder who exactly this holy man was and if he was the promised one. John knows who he is, but the people around him do not and that is why he gives his teaching that we hear. 

Remember, John knew Jesus, to what degree, that is not known, but he encountered Jesus while still in the womb. As Luke tells us at the Visitation, the infant leapt in Elizabeth’s womb as soon as Mary’s greeting reached her ears. John had already enjoyed being in the presence of Jesus. 

I like to think that the two, since they were related, probably had infrequent encounters as family. Throughout the centuries, artists, like Murillo and Reubens, have depicted this concept. While it is possible, it is also unlikely that they did since Jesus and his family fled to Egypt and John was in the desert for many years. 

From whatever experience John had with Jesus, and the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, he was able to assert that one mightier than he was coming and would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. He knew that he was preparing the way for someone greater. He was God’s instrument for the people and for Jesus, as he would inaugurate the public ministry of Jesus. 

Every now and then, we might forget who we are and take on a savior complex for a relationship or situation. We are not the savior. We stand in the need of the savior. If we forget who we are, we simply need to remind ourselves of John, who knew that his ministry was subordinate to Jesus’ ministry. If we become filled with pride, we need to remember the humility we should have, like that of St. John the Baptist, who said, “I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.”

In John’s Gospel, John the Baptist says, “He must increase, I must decrease.” John the Baptist can help us stay grounded, reminding us that it is Jesus who is doing his work in and through us. We are the extension of the hands and feet of Jesus. Humility makes room to acknowledge the action of God. 

After the baptism, John could have touted what he did in baptizing Jesus and directing others to him. He didn’t proclaim his works, but continued to call people to repent as the Gospels record, including King Herod over his marriage. John remained humble, faithful and bold in his ministry, and it ended up costing him his life. We would be so lucky that we could be more like John in our life of Christian discipleship. 

May we, like John, remain humble, faithful and bold, even in the face of challenges, as we strive to follow Jesus and point others to him.

Fr. Looney serves as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawano, and priest celebrant at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Cecil. He is the author of the book “Praying with the Church Through Advent.”

The readings for Sunday, Jan. 12, can be found at The Baptism of the Lord | USCCB.