John the Baptist – Penance or Exultation

Whoever Has Two Coats

Jesus declares that John the Baptist was the greatest of prophets born of woman. (Lk 7:28). John understood the will of God for those who came to him.

-Whoever has two coats should share with the one who has none.

-Whoever has food should do likewise.

-Tax Collector, stop collecting more than is prescribed.

-Soldier, do not extort or falsely accuse, but be satisfied with your wages. (cf. Lk 3:10-14).

The Cardinal virtues are clearly commanded in John’s preaching. It is important to note, that these virtues are natural in the sense that they do not require grace. The cardinal virtues are: Justice, Courage, Temperance and Prudence. I have listed them in the order one should analyze them in dealing with a moral situation.

1. What does justice demand?

2. What is the courageous act that advocates or brings about justice?

3. How do I avoid extremes in my act, so as to bring about the desired result without creating unnecessary harm or falling short?

4. When do I act or forbear to act? Timing matters in resolving conflicts.

All of Catholic Social Justice teaching can be analyzed by correctly applying the Cardinal virtues to any moral dilemma.

Since the Cardinal virtues do not necessarily require grace, it follows that an atheist can possess some or all of these virtues in full measure. This is highly significant for us, as we are called to evangelize in the way of Christ. If an atheist is more just, more courageous, more temperate, or more prudent than I, what attraction is there for the atheist to listen to my testimony of faith?

Yet, while the Cardinal virtues are natural and while they guide us in the daily conduct of our affairs, acting alone these virtues cannot save us.

The Motive Behind the Virtuous Act

Jesus tells us “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

When we treat others justly, courageously defending them without being prone to extremes, and doing so prudently we are fulfilling the second commandment to love.

What about the first and greatest commandment?

To love God as prescribed, we must embrace the theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. These are illuminated by grace, the work of the Holy Spirit in us.

Love of God, which results in an active love of neighbor, saves. (cf. 1Cor 13:2). Faith in God, believing and acting in his desire that we love as He loves, saves. (cf. Gal 5:6). Hope in a God who is trustworthy and keeps his promises, saves. (cf. Rom 8:24).

John the Baptist preached justice and courage in dealing with those we encounter. Share what you have. Do not take more than is yours. Be just. Do so, within a society that would tolerate your injustice.

This, John the Baptist confesses, was preparatory for the arrival of one who was mightier, Jesus the Christ, who would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire. Thereafter, infused with the capacity to receive grace, our loving actions and works acting on that grace through faith, become salvific. (cf. Eph 2:8-10).

James succinctly summarizes the characteristic of a genuine faith: “… I will show you my faith by my works.” (Js 2:18).

[Readings: Zep 3:14-18a; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18]

Jerry DeMelo Jr.

Mr Jerry DeMelo, Jr OP is a life-long Catholic and life professed Lay Dominican. A graduate of the Naval Academy, he served in the US Submarine Service. He is presently a Judicial Officer in California. Jerry enjoys Catholic Pilgrimages, teaches a weekly Bible study as well as the Diaconate formation program for the Diocese of Fresno. Mr DeMelo is on the Board of Directors of Gratia Vobis Ministries.

1 Comment

  1. Steven Wee on December 12, 2021 at 8:09 am

    Thank you Jerry. A blessed start to today!

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