Solemnity of the
Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
(Isaiah 49:1-6; Acts13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66.80)
The liturgical year does not celebrate many
birthdays. Only three people are honored
in such a way. Jesus’ birth, of course,
is remembered in December and Mary’s in September. Today John the Baptist’s birthday completes
the special kind of celebration.
John’s beginnings are shrouded in wonder. His parents are beyond regular child-bearing
age when he is conceived. When he is
born, he is not given the customary name of his father or indeed anyone in his
family. Rather he is named “John” out of
obedience to God’s command. More
strangely, his father begins to speak again after nine months of silence only when
he affirms that name. The evangelist relates
John’s story in this way to indicate his uniqueness. John will be the harbinger of the
Messiah. His preaching of repentance
will announce to the world that its salvation is at hand.
Enjoying the celebration of birthdays, we should take great
pleasure today. John will have stern
words, but his message is ultimately one of joy. He announces that Jesus is here to save us
from folly. We heed John so that we may
not miss the infinite goodness offered us by Jesus.
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