September 8, 2006
The story reads like a screenplay for some soap opera or an episode of the Sopranos: pride, anger, jealousy, resentment, injustice, sensuality, drunkenness – a whole sick scenario ending in a violent murder. It’s hard to imagine so much vice could be packed into one single episode. So, if you’re interested in passion and intrigue, don’t turn on your television, but turn to the sixth chapter of Saint Mark’s Gospel.
It’s no wonder why Hollywood has found the Bible a treasure chest for audiences looking for suspense and action-packed adventures. The simple reason is the Holy Scriptures are filled with personalities and realities that make up the drama of human life. No matter where you open the book, you will meet people and everyday events not terribly dissimilar to those we encounter in our lives. While the time and cultural setting are obviously different, “people are people” – this is why the ancient scriptures, indeed the Good News, are more relevant than this morning’s news.
In the Gospel to which I have referred, we encounter a most unusual, indeed a most mysterious man named John the Baptist. Eastern iconography always portrays Saint John looking a bit disheveled, rugged and wild like the desert he inhabited. Artists portray him looking much like his cousin the Christ, but with his long hair and beard being whipped about by the desert wind, which signifies the Holy Spirit. Of course, the scriptures tell us he wore camel skins, had a leather belt, and ate locusts and wild honey. To say that John the Baptist was “a bit rough around the edges” would be an understatement.
Despite his fiery temperament and rough demeanor, in order of veneration, the Church honors him by placing him right after our most beautiful Blessed Lady and most gentle Saint Joseph. Yet Our Lord Himself called him the “greatest among those born of women,” a statement to be taken as more than a nice compliment considering it was given by God Himself! Yet, we all must admit this great man is not a saint to be imitated; none of us would do well with either the desert or his diet! However, I would like to present just two lessons we can learn from the life of the Baptist. In fact, this reflection is especially directed to young parents.
Lesson One: Saint Luke tells us that little John leapt in his mother Elizabeth’s womb when they both came into the presence of Mary and Jesus. Recent evidence more than suggests children in the womb are affected by the “emotional climate” of the mother. In ways we do not yet fully know or understand, children in the womb can sense and somehow “soak in” both positive and negative energy. Today doctors are quite clear concerning the ill effects of smoking, drugs, and alcohol on a child in the womb; yet some are also now considering the emotional state of the mother and its effects on the child. So, Christian parents, pray for and indeed “pray over” your unborn child. Don’t wait until they are born to speak and sing to them about their Creator.
Lesson Two: Saint John lived many years in the desert, which certainly placed him geographically apart from the world; yet at the same time, he spiritually had his finger on the pulse of what was really important in the world. Christian parents, you would do well to create for your children a healthy “distance” from the distractions and deadly influences of the world. Why is it that you are so careful when it comes to your child’s physical welfare, yet can be negligent in other areas, especially the spiritual? If the things your children view on television and the computer happened in your front yard, you would call the police! Why not create “desert days” (at least Sunday) when everyone “unplugs” and goes no-tech. The reason why families are falling apart is there is too much individual entertainment and too little communal recreation.
These are but two of at least twelve lessons we can cull from the life of but one biblical character. It’s hard to imagine so much wisdom packed into one great book. Hey Hollywood, listen up!
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
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