Reflection on Jun24th 2019
Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
When Doubts Come
Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
When Doubts Come
Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80
Link to Readings
John the Baptist was a prophet. He was the last prophet in the Old Testament and the first prophet in the New Testament. Unlike the previous prophets, he not only prophesied about the Messiah, he introduced the Messiah to the people, in person. Therefore, he was special. He was also special to come in contact with Jesus, and to be filled with the Holy Spirit, when both were in their mothers' wombs. Other than the birth of Jesus and Mary, the only birthday celebrated by the Church is of John the Baptist. He is that special. That could be the reason why Jesus mentioned once that no one in this world is greater than John the Baptist.
As Isaiah mentioned in the First Reading, John was called and named while he was in his mother’s womb; his tongue was a sharp edged sword. As the prophet mentioned John also had his doubts. While imprisoned he thought he toiled in vain and spent his strength uselessly. That was why he sent his disciples to Jesus to ask whether he was the Messiah or they should wait for another one. When Jesus explained what was happening around him, John was satisfied even to give his life for Jesus.
No matter how blessed we are, we too have doubts related to the faith from time to time. In such times, the best thing to do is to ask Jesus himself. He would gladly help you to overcome the doubts, because Jesus knows us well and understands our thoughts from afar.
Link to Readings
John the Baptist was a prophet. He was the last prophet in the Old Testament and the first prophet in the New Testament. Unlike the previous prophets, he not only prophesied about the Messiah, he introduced the Messiah to the people, in person. Therefore, he was special. He was also special to come in contact with Jesus, and to be filled with the Holy Spirit, when both were in their mothers' wombs. Other than the birth of Jesus and Mary, the only birthday celebrated by the Church is of John the Baptist. He is that special. That could be the reason why Jesus mentioned once that no one in this world is greater than John the Baptist.
As Isaiah mentioned in the First Reading, John was called and named while he was in his mother’s womb; his tongue was a sharp edged sword. As the prophet mentioned John also had his doubts. While imprisoned he thought he toiled in vain and spent his strength uselessly. That was why he sent his disciples to Jesus to ask whether he was the Messiah or they should wait for another one. When Jesus explained what was happening around him, John was satisfied even to give his life for Jesus.
No matter how blessed we are, we too have doubts related to the faith from time to time. In such times, the best thing to do is to ask Jesus himself. He would gladly help you to overcome the doubts, because Jesus knows us well and understands our thoughts from afar.