19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” 24 Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” 28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
St. Basil of Caesarea, also known as Basil the Great, and his friend, St. Gregory Nazianzen, lived in the fourth century and fought against heresies in the Church, notably Arianism (the belief that God the Son is inferior to God the Father). Indeed, the two teamed up for a rhetorical contest against Arian scholars from which they emerged victorious. Gregory, in particular, made important contributions to the theology of the trinity. For their profound theological insights, they are both doctors of the Church. St. Basil held the position of bishop of Caesarea while St. Gregory became archbishop of Constantinople. Their Christianity went far beyond the realm of thought, though, for both refused wealth, took care of the poor, sought the reform of criminals and promoted priests known for their holiness.
The gospel for their feast this year is from John and takes place on the first of four days from the life of Jesus. It tells about a delegation to John the Baptist. Priests and Levites are sent to determine who he is. The Baptist denies that he is the Messiah or any of their other suggestions. Instead, he replies with a quote from Isaiah which stresses his role as witness. John bears witness to the coming of the true Lord.
The delegates from the Pharisees then inquire about why, if he is not the Messiah or another great person, does he baptize, but John replies that he only baptizes with water. Another, much greater, figure will come. However, the Jewish leaders have asked the wrong question. They clearly expected John to claim a special status and so do not follow up. They should have asked questions about the someone else, the person who is to come. And so, of course, should we. Certainly, this gospel is fitting for Sts. Basil and Gregory, both of whom served, like John the Baptist, as great witnesses to Jesus
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