January 16, 2011
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
John the Baptist confessed not knowing Jesus. God gave him a special grace and a sign that Jesus was indeed the awaited one -- the Messiah. I confess I did not know Fr. Nelson Baker but as a child I heard from my parents that if I didn't obey I would go to Fr. Baker's. The Vatican announced that Fr. Baker, already a Servant of God, is now Venerable. With an approved miracle he would be beatified (like Pope John Paul II on May 1). With a second miracle, Fr. Baker would be canonized. The process of canonization or becoming a saint he is democratic. Local folks recommend persons of great devotion, charity and dedication to Rome for consideration as saints. In researching candidates for sainthood, certain virtues or qualities must be evident. Our readings today point out three. Isaiah speaks of God's call and of becoming a light to the nations. One must be good and do good work but also be faithful to God's calling and be part of God's plan. St. Paul writes to the Corinthians about their calling to holiness and his confidence as an apostle announcing life in Christ. John the Baptist exhibits humility in admitting at first not knowing Jesus and then acknowledging him as the light. John knew his role would diminish and Jesus increase. Our scripture readings highlight three virtues in would be saints: fidelity, confidence and humility. Tomorrow we honor a servant of God: Martin Luther King Jr. He spoke a prophetic word to America about discrimination, inequality, poverty and war. MLK advocated and embraced non-violence. We can identify servants of God after the shooting in Tucson, Arizona. The intern (only five days in office) who stemmed the flow of blood from the head wound of the congress woman; the first responders who valiantly strived to save the injured; the judge who went to daily Mass and was present at the event to talk with the congress woman on immigration; the little girl who enjoyed life and loved to dance -- her organs were used to save the life of another child. St. Paul tells us that we are all called to holiness to become servants of God. As the political intern said: my parents ingrained in us the responsibility "to give back."
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