Christianity is a faith young at heart for our Saviour is a youngster. In fact, the first martyr of Christ wasn’t an adult but nearly a two years old infant (Matt. 2:16). This underscores the reality that not only is Christian ministry unconfined to the boundaries of age but it begins really early. We thus commemorate today the Nativity of the one who began his ministry as soon as he came into existence i.e. as a foetus – John the Baptist. Hence St. Jacob of Serugh observes; “John started his ministry in the womb and did not stop until the sword silenced him.” His relentless ministry fetched him the appellation “the greatest born among women” (Lk. 7:28).
John the Baptist is someone who signifies newness in all prospects. Right from his name (Lk 1:61) to his teachings, everything was new. His life appeared to be a personal testimony to the words of Christ; “Behold I am making all things new” (Rev. 21:5). Thus Moses Bar Cepha remarks in his homily; “He (John) was called a new name because he should preach new things to the children of Israel.”
Just like John, each child born into this world is a unique creation but little do we allow them to blossom when we foist upon them the prejudices and burdens not only of ours but others as well. Only if we had the courage to say 𝐍𝐎 to the worldly wisdom as Elizabeth did (Lk. 1:60) our kids would have had a different life probably the one Christ destined. Do we owe our kids an apology?
Blessed Feast!
Dayroyo Fr. Basil
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