Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80
The community Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 AM in place of Lauds.
John the Baptist, as the cousin of the Lord and Precursor of the Christ holds a special place in Christian devotion. However, it’s not because he is the cousin of the Lord but because his life and sacrifice revealed him as incarnating a unrepeatable role in salvation history. As Jesus himself said, “There is no man born of woman greater than John the Baptist.” He went on to say, however, that the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than John! Now that’s a conundrum to ponder.
George Alexa says
Yes, Father, that is a conundrum to ponder. I was trying to see if you can have it both ways or if there was really a good explanation and perhaps you know of a good theological explanation.
James says
Actually, George, I wouldn’t attempt an explanation which could only make sense intellectually, logically or conceptually. I’d prefer to leave it as an unanswered challenge; and I’d hope, some day, to recognize its reality–and impact–in one of those paradoxical experiences life delivers so regularly.
I’d suggest calling to mind those people in your own life who may have been vehicles of grace (likely or unlikely vehicles) and would never, for a moment, appropriate that honor to themselves.
I’m not suggesting that’s an answer to your question, just an orientation allowing us to be grasped by the mystery.