12/14

 
The Testimony of St. John The Baptist Concerning Christ

“The Jews sent from Jerusalem priests and levites to him, to ask him: ‘Who art thou?’ He confessed: ‘I am not Christ. But there has stood One in the midst of you, Whom you know not. The same is He that shall come after me, Who is preferred before me; the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose’” (John I, 19, 26, 27).

First Prelude: In spirit, see the banks of the Jordan where St. John baptizes.

Second Prelude: O Divine Saviour, give me grace to know myself that I may correct my faults, and make Thyself better known to me that I may love Thee more and more.

First Point

THE PROFOUND HUMILITY OF ST. JOHN

The Jews sent priests and levites to John in the desert to ask him whether he is the Christ. The sanctity of his life was so manifest and had diffused such light, that he was universally held to be the Messiah, or at least a great prophet. John, however, confessed, “I am not the Christ” and added humbly, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” Jesus had called him the greatest man ever born of woman, more than prophet. He was an Elias, according to the spirit, announcing the advent of Him to whom all prophecies referred, but in his own estimation he was not even worthy to loose the latchet of Christ’s shoes.

How does the humility of St. John condemn our pride! How much do we think of ourselves, how eager are we to make known our imaginary advantages and to display our overrated possible good qualities! Even though, at times, we speak depreciatingly of ourselves, is it not done with a view of meriting praise? Let us, in all sincerity and in the presence of the Supreme Judge, answer the question: “Who art thou?” If the grace of God has led us into religion, how do we now fulfill the duties of our holy state? Alas, cannot we say with much more truth than did St. Bernard: I am only a religious in name, because I lead a life of distractions. In my holy calling I should excel in the practice of virtues, but I am conscious only of faults and imperfections?

Let us often ask ourselves what others think and say of us. The reproach of men, and especially the loving admonitions of our fellow-religious, may prove very beneficial, if we take them in good part. We will, in the future frequently call to mind that our fate for all eternity is determined by the one question “Who art thou?” and often earnestly put it to ourselves. What progress might I not have made, had I corresponded generously to the graces imparted to me so abundantly!

Second Point

ST. JOHN’S TESTIMONY OF CHRIST

Profoundly humble, St. John speaks very little of himself, but takes pleasure in dwelling at length upon the greatness of our Lord. “But there has stood One in the midst of you Whom you know not. The same is He that shall come after me. Who is preferred before me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose.” So glorious a testimony made by a man of the type of St. John under the existing circumstances, was well calculated to impress the messengers favorably, as well as those who had sent them, had they been properly disposed. Despising, however, the proffered light, they yielded themselves up to deception and blindness.

In our day countless Christians, even, deserve the reproach of St. John: “In your midst there has stood One whom you know not.” They labor diligently to acquire accomplishments, study the biographies of distinguished men, of whose great deeds they should be ashamed to be ignorant, but they know very little or nothing of our dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and make little effort to acquire such knowledge; consequently, they do not love Him. So long as Saul was estranged to the truths of religion, he was a furious persecutor of the Church of God, but once the mercy of God had led him to the true fold of Christ, his ambition, his persevering zeal, his only desire was directed henceforth to growth in the knowledge of Christ, Jesus. Hence, also, his ardent love, his eloquence, when from the fullness of his heart he depicts the charms of the love of God and of neighbor.

May the reproach which the Baptist addressed to the Jews not apply to the spouses of Christ, in whose midst He dwells, whom He daily nourishes with His Flesh and Blood, and whom they should study diligently during the daily meditation? Let it be our earnest endeavor, especially during the holy season of Advent, when Holy Mother Church heralds the near approach of the Saviour, to penetrate deeply into His love, which He manifests in the mystery of the Incarnation.

Affections: O my Divine Saviour, how consoling and honorable for Thy holy precursor, to be the voice crying out to men to prepare the way of the Lord! Rejoicing with her whole heart, Holy Church, at Thy approaching advent, invites all her children to participate in her joy. With a tender love we will respond to her invitation, ever mindful that Thou art nigh to each one of us. Thou desirest to be near us with Thy grace and Thy peace; but how many remain at a distance, because they know Thee not, nor do they desire to know Thee. O Divine Saviour, enlighten these blinded souls, draw them unto Thee by the sweet power of Thy grace. Compel the obdurate to enter into themselves and remove the obstacles that oppose Thy bountiful advent in their hearts. True to the admonition of the Apostle, we will hasten to meet Thee with prayers, fasting, impetration and thanksgiving, to participate in Thy peace, which surpasses all comprehension.

Resolution: In order to acquire a thorough knowledge of self, I will make my daily examen with increased fervor and zeal.

Spiritual Bouquet: “There hath stood One in your midst Whom you know not.”

O JESUS, LIVING IN MARY

O Jesus, living in Mary! come and live in Thy servants, in the spirit of Thy holiness, in the fullness of Thy might, in the truth of Thy virtues, in the perfection of Thy ways, in the communion of Thy mysteries; subdue every hostile power, in Thy spirit for the glory of the Father. Amen.

(Indulgence of 300 days, once a day.—Pius IX, Oct. 14, 1859.)