Homily Outline Combining Resources

Homily outline:  John the Baptist is “The Voice”: why that matters and why we need to listen

• Introduction: John is introduced
  • This gospel introduces us to John the Baptist with the simple words, “A man named John was sent by God.”
  • When he is asked who he is, he replies cryptically, “I am the voice of the one crying out in the desert.”
  • This is one of the only times in scripture that someone identifies himself not by a job title, or a name, or a position, but by something almost abstract: a voice — something unseen but recognizable and vitally important.
  • With that answer, John defines himself and shows a striking self-awareness. He admits he is not the message, but rather an instrument for helping to conveythe message.
  • It raises questions: what does he mean? What is the importance of being “the voice”? Science offers some answers.
• The scientific turn
  • Voice researcher notes that “the voice is the main communication tool,”going beyond cognitive communication … “It makes an emotional impact, translating feelings and emotions.
  • Another voice professor says the voice, particularly in music, is able to stimulate emotionsand make people live the story being told.
  • Researchers have found that animals can produce a wide range of sounds, but the human voice is distinct for its range and versatility.
  • The implicit message is that there is something unique and distinct about the human voice that you don’t find elsewhere in creation — and this makes teaching conveyed by speaking (not writing) more impactful. The preacher, like John, can give added power to what is being preached.
  • Those who hear the message access more than just sound. Scientists have come to understand that from an early age our brains are wired to process information we hear and turn hearing into listening and learning.
  • Also of note is John’s remarkable humility and self-awareness. He doesn’t announce who he is, or what his role might be. He seems reluctant to say anything about himself, until he finally declares that he is “the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” He knows his place. Psychologists affirm that “self-awareness requires self-examination.”This brief glimpse into John’s psyche suggests a man of introspection, contemplation and purpose.
• John’s message
  • John identifies himself as “the voice,” giving an unexpected — and, really, unique — dimension to his ministry.  Why does this matter? What makes it significant? Understood very plainly, a voice can obviously do what a word cannot: it gives emotion, variety, depth and humanity to strokes of a pen. It makes the abstract concrete. It imbues it with life.
  • By using his voice, and identifying himself that way, John is also able to reach those who cannot read. He engages a wider audience.
  • It’s also interesting to see that John seeks no credit for himself. He directs all his energy and attention toward the one who will follow him. He serves another and clears the way for the one who is coming after.
  • As we near the end of Advent, John’s presence challenges us to look beyond this season of waiting and watching — and remember just who we are waiting and watching for.
• The Takeaway: Listening to The Voice before meeting The Word
  • John “prepares the way” for the Messiah, not with letters or drawings or poems  but with his presence — especially with his voice.
  • He is a living instrument, announcing (literally) The Word.
  • In his own time, people not only heard“the voice,” but they were moved to listen, to question, and to wonder. John provoked in those who heard him a response.
  • We respond to a voice differently than we respond to something written. Researchers tell us the mind is engaged more by speech than just words.
  • There is much noise in this season, and sometimes it is difficult for us to listen.
  • Each of us may need a little dessert time for humbling ourselves before God’s Word, so that we can acquire the prophetic spirit Paul mentions today.
  • A litmus test that we have listened and not simply “heard” comes to us from Isaiah.  We have truly heard if we
    • Bring glad tidings to the poor
    • Heal the brokenhearted
    • Proclaim liberty to captives and release to prisoners,
    • And announce a year of favor and a day of vindication by our God.