Alexander the Great, one of the greatest military generals ever, almost conquered the world because of his leadership. One night, he could not sleep. He left his tent and walked around the camp. He found one of his guard soldiers sleeping while on duty as he went around. This was a very grave offense, with a consequence of death by burning. Alexander woke him up. The soldier recognized the commander-in-chief and begged for his life.
Alexander asked the trembling soldier, "Do you know the penalty for sleeping while on duty?" "Yes, sir," the soldier politely answered. "Soldier, what is your name?" Alexander the Great asked. The soldier said, "Alexander, sir." "What is your name again?" "Alexander, sir!"
For the third time, Alexander the Great asked, "What is your name?" A third time, the soldier answered, "Alexander, sir." Alexander the Great, staring fiercely at the soldier, said, "Soldier, either change your name, or change your conduct."
"Who are you? How do you see yourself?" These are questions we often ask one another. We also ask these questions of ourselves: “Who am I? How do I see myself?”
In our complex world, these are not trivial questions. Many are willing to offer us ready-made identities. Some of these identities are extremely tight-fitting. Many look at us and don't want to know who we are; they see only the identity they wish to impose on us—a customer, a client, a visitor.
On the other hand, many times, to boast about ourselves, we place ourselves in relation to famous personalities like politicians, great doctors, priests, bishops, and so on. But this is not who we are. The more we identify with known people, the more our authentic selves remain unknown.
The first question to John the Baptist by the priests and Levites was, "Who are you?" The second was, "What are you?" John's answers made it clear that his identity lay in his mission. "I am not the Messiah, nor the prophet, nor Elijah. I am the voice crying in the desert, 'Make straight the way of the Lord!'" John's mission was to prepare God's way and usher his goodness into the hearts of people who had gone astray. John gave his life for his mission. In life and death, John knew himself, who he was and what he was.
I am a baptized Christian, a Catholic. Just like John the Baptist, I am called by God to testify about Jesus and my faith in Him. The first reading tells me to remain faithful to Him. Now I know what God wants me to do:
These are my faith goals. Through these, God will lead me to more blessings and accomplishments. This is my direction for this new year. Otherwise, I am not worthy of being called Christian … either I change my name, or I change my conduct!
Do you live up to your name?
Father Boby John, C.S.C., ordained a priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross in 2008, worked as a pastor and as an educator with tribal populations in Northeast India for thirteen years. Originally from Kerala, India, Father Boby grew up with three siblings. He is a dedicated and detailed educationist with experience in educational leadership. He is currently working as an executive assistant at the world headquarters of Holy Cross Family Ministries, North Easton, Massachusetts.
