Malachi 3:1-4; 4:5-6,
Psalm 25:4-5ab.8-9.10 and 14 (R. see Luke 21:28)
Luke 1:57-66 Full Readings
John and Jesus
Brethren, the Old Testament prophets foretold the return of the prophet Elijah (Malachi 3:1, and 4:5) who would announce the coming of the Messiah - the Savior and Ruler of the earth. In the first reading, Malachi tells us that God is to prepare people for the coming of the Lord, the Day of the Lord. The day of the Lord in the Bible would be sadness and misery for those who are not prepared. The Good News for us is that God has sent the prophets to prepare us for this day. John the Baptist, best of all prophets, fulfils the role of Elijah, the Messianic prophet, as Jesus confirmed (Matthew 11:13-14). His miraculous birth shows the mercy and favour of God in preparing his people for the coming of its Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Apart from being the percussor of Jesus, there are more similarities and differences between John and Jesus.
The birth-stories of John the Baptist and of Jesus are told in such a way as to bring out the parallelism between the two figures, and the special position of each. we can't forget the fact that they are cousins but also that their parents are both models of the fidelity of Israel, and of trust in the Lord. An angel foretells the miraculous birth of each. The birth and naming of each is an occasion of great joy. In each case John is great but Jesus is greater still: The exalted position of John serves to exalt the position of Jesus even further. John will prepare the way; Jesus will be seated on the throne of his father David. Zechariah doubts and is struck dumb; Mary humbly enquires and is blessed. John’s name means ‘God is gracious’, Jesus’ name is ‘Saviour’. At the birth of John there is joy in the family, at the birth of Jesus the joy and singing are by the angels. At the end of this passage John goes out into the desert because it was from the desert that the Messiah was expected to come, and John will be the herald voice, crying in the desert in fulfilment of Isaiah, ‘Make straight his paths.’
Ephrem the Syrian (306-373 AD) makes a more theological distinction between John and Jesus: "He (John) who was to baptize with water would proclaim him who would baptize with fire and with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). The light, which was not obscure, would proclaim the Sun of Justice. The one filled with the Spirit would proclaim concerning him who gives the Spirit. The priest calling with the trumpet would proclaim concerning the one who is to come at the sound of the trumpet at the end. The voice would proclaim concerning the Word, and the one who saw the dove would proclaim concerning him upon whom the dove rested, like the lightning before the thunder." (Excerpt from COMMENTARY ON TATIAN'S DIATESSARON 1.31).
Perhaps to get more distinction between John and Jesus, we have to also look at the distinctions between their parents. Ephrem the Syrian continues: "The elderly Elizabeth gave birth to the last of the prophets, and Mary, a young girl, to the Lord of the angels. The daughter of Aaron gave birth to the voice in the desert (Isaiah 63:9), but the daughter of David to the strong God of the earth. The barren one gave birth to him who remits sins, but the Virgin gave birth to him who takes them away (John 1:29). Elizabeth gave birth to him who reconciled people through repentance, but Mary gave birth to him who purified the lands of uncleanness. The elder one lit a lamp in the house of Jacob, his father, for this lamp itself was John (John 5:35), while the younger one lit the Sun of Justice (Malachi 4:2) for all the nations. The angel announced to Zechariah, so that the slain one would proclaim the crucified one and that the hated one would proclaim the envied one." (Excerpt from COMMENTARY ON TATIAN'S DIATESSARON 1.31)
Indeed, God is gracious for these two names John and Jesus. These two names changed the salvation history and brought it to fulfilment until we perfectly attain salvation on the last day. Let us take heed to John's call to prepare the wat for the Lord so that at his coming on Christmas day, we may be found worthy to receive him in our lives and hearts. As we are in final days of intense preparation for Christmas, let us reflect on today's O Antiphon
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus, I await you to be born in my heart, Come Emanuel, my king and ruler, come to save me from all misbelief and lack of Faith so that I may always believe in what you have promised. Amen
Be blessed
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