Matthew Eulogizes John

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab; Mt 11:11-15

Notes

One way to encounter scripture is the startegic placing of timelines and teachings. For example, in today’s gospel portion Jesus is speaking about John the Baptist, who at this point is in prison and John has sent messengers to Jesus to confirm who Jesus is (and, maybe, ahem, get him out of prison). Jesus insteads confirms John as Elijah. All this in Matthew chapter 11. It isn’t until chapter 14 that we get the story of the how and why John the Baptist died. In between, a series of healings and parables. John is Elijah. When we think of the prophets and their proclamation ‘Thus says the LORD’ in our modern language it would be understood as: It is my profound conviction that such and such is God’s thoughts (will or purpose) (The Prophets, Abraham Heschel, Harper Press, p. 530). Jesus is given to recapitulate John’s thoughts in the series of parables between Jesus’ testimony and John’s death. John’s life is validated (eulogized by the gospel writer in this way). The greatest herald insights. The Baptism of Repentance brings these insights. Immediately after in chapter 14, Matthew returns to Jesus’ specific gifts as the focus.

1. Reproaches to Unrepentant Towns (John greatest prophet, Jesus beyond same).
2. The Praise of the Father (think Canticle of Zechariah).
3. The Gentle Mastery of Christ.
4. Picking Grain on the Sabbath (hungry, fed, ravens).
5. The Man with a Withered Hand (healing, John in his way (fruit of repentance), Jesus in his).
6. The Chosen Servant (John and Jesus, either/or/both).
7. Jesus and Beelzebul (blind and mute healed, John in his way (fruit of repentance), Jesus in his).
8. A Tree and Its Fruits.
9. The Demand for a Sign.
10. The Return of the Unclean Spirit.
11. The True Family of Jesus.
12. The Parable of the Sower.
13. The Purpose of Parables (the entirety of the old testament).
14. The Privilege of Discipleship.
15. The Explanation of the Parable of the Sower.
16. The Parable of the Weeds Among the Wheat.
17. The Parable of the Mustard Seed.
18. The Parable of the Yeast.
19. The Use of Parables.
20. The Explanation of the Parable of the Weeds.
21. More Parables.
22. Treasures New and Old (Prophets of Old to John to Son).
23. The Rejection at Nazareth (precedes rejection of John by Herod).

Summary

We take for granted the importance of Elijah and John the Baptist but frankly we really don’t think about how they are so important. They are important for they did not shrink from the task of listening to the LORD and speaking from the heart their profound conviction that such and such is God’s thoughts (will or purpose). The gospel of Matthew gives a fresh perspective by assembling a collection of teachings and healings that have a specific connection to the Baptizer. It is good to consider the fruits of repentance.

Reflection

“Fear not, I will help you.” In our first reading the prophet Isaiah outlines the immensity of the problem and the magnificence of the solution. The LORD knows. The LORD answers with power and might. When we think about John the Baptist, can we see and imagine how the LORD helped him? If you were Matthew, would you keep all of these tributes or remonve one or two? Or add one or two?

Personal Reflection

Osner, I remember, what you said all these years later. “Jesus knows. Jesus knows.”
To which I add the words of Isaiah, “Fear not, I will help you.”

I hope you live such a life in the power of God.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Indeed, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life (PS 23:4a, 6a).

That was John.
That can be you.

First Reading

“Fear not, I will help you.”

Responsorial

The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.

Gospel Acclamation

Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.

Gospel

Jesus’ Testimony to John. Jesus said to the crowds: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry