When St. Isidore parishioner Kurt Klein created the sculpture that graces the baptismal pool in our church, he wanted it to be unique. He achieved this goal by including Jesus, Mother Mary, and John the Baptist in a single work of art. Interestingly, these are the only three people whose nativities into this world are celebrated with a feast day: Jesus on Dec. 25, Mary on Sept. 8, and John the Baptist on Jun. 24. (All other saints’ feasts are celebrated on the days of their death, marking their birth into eternal life.) This particularity alone highlights the importance of John the Baptist.
John’s greatness was in preparing the way for Jesus and pointing out Christ’s coming. In Kurt’s sculpture, John points to Jesus and holds a banner inscribed with the word Ecce—“This” is the Lamb of God. In today’s Gospel on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, John humbly acknowledges Jesus as someone greater than himself. It was never about drawing people to himself—but to the Lord. So, how can we follow John’s example and point others toward Christ?
In his letter to Titus (today’s second reading), Paul offers guidance on revealing Jesus: “Reject godless ways and worldly desires and live temperately, justly, and devoutly.” In other words, we make Christ the center of our lives, allowing Jesus to influence all that we do. We live the Gospel values. We are generous and loving without condition. Just as John the Baptist gives Jesus the credit in today’s Gospel, we humbly recognize Christ for all the good He accomplishes through us. It is not about us or what we do; it is about what Christ does through us.
Similarly, our Family of Parishes is tasked not with drawing people to our parishes (by touting our greatness!) but with drawing others to Jesus. We do this in many ways, including inspiring worship, outreach ministries, faith formation, concerts, and working for a more just world in all our parishes throughout the year.
As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, let us respond to our own baptismal calls by pointing others toward Christ.