Do You Know Who You Aren’t?

Posted: 02 Jan 2009 01:00 AM CST
1 Jn 2:22-28 / Jn 1:19-28

One of the most foolish mistakes any of us can make is to believe our own press releases. Taking ourselves too seriously is a fatal error that is made so often that we have to conclude that it’s been bred into the human race. It was the mistake that Adam and Eve made in the garden, when they were only too ready to let the snake persuade them that they could become God’s equal. What a farce, and yet we see it recurring in our own time and in our own lives every day.

In today’s gospel, John the Baptist provides a refreshing respite from the usual self inflation. When messengers from the authorities in Jerusalem asked him in all seriousness if he were the messiah, or the great Elijah, or the Prophet, John had to be flattered and tempted at the very least to make some tantalizing delphic response such as, “In time all things will be made clear,” or “You’ll be surprised.” But he did none of that.

Instead, his response was a clear “no” to all the questions. “I am only the voice in the desert, crying out: ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’”

What a perfect example for us all: To know who we are and what our own unique vocation from God is; to delight in answering that call as fully and enthusiastically as we can; and to ask for nothing more and pretend to nothing more. It is the truth that will set us free. Embrace the truth and let your heart soar.