Who And What

So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” John 1:20-21
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​I was traveling recently and the hotel stay required a several floor elevator ride. Every time I got in it, I was the only passenger so there was nothing to distract me which would have been nice because all 4 walls of the elevator were mirrors.  Each time I glanced up to see which floor I was on, all I saw was my reflection.  Each time I caught a glimpse of myself, I thought of this question from John’s gospel.   The questions asked of John go from WHAT are you to WHO are you.  The first question seems a bit strange don’t you think?  But when we take a good look at our discipleship, that question becomes very important.  

If someone asks “who are you” I might be quick to respond with things like, Shannon’s mom, Dave’s wife, Lewis’ grandma or Tina’s friend.  I tend to focus on what I do, to describe who I am. But if someone asks “what are you” it causes me to look at my vocation.  What am I? I am God’s daughter.  I am a Saint in the making.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am a living example of God’s love for all his children.  In all honesty, living my “what” needs some work!  There are times when I think about the person asking and wonder “what do they want me to be?”  The problem with that kind of thinking is there is really only one opinion that matters and that isn’t always the one I seek first.  

John was very honest and direct.  He did not pretend to be someone or something he wasn’t.  There is certainly a lesson there for me.   This Gospel is the perfect reminder that what I really am, is HIS! I don’t have to pretend to be who or what the world would find impressive.  Today is the day to speak the truth like John and realize what I am; God’s Beloved Daughter, and that is absolutely more than enough.

A Seed To Plant:  What are you? Take a few minutes to make that list, looking through the Fathers eyes.​

Blessings on your day!