Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
(Isaiah
49:1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66.80)
The name
“John” befits the son of Zachariah and Elizabeth in two ways. The name means “The Lord has mercy.” First, God shows mercy to the child’s parents
who waited anxiously for years to have a child.
Their love for each other made them desire to give birth to offspring
who would bear characteristics of them both.
More
importantly, the Lord has shown mercy in initiating the process of human salvation. John will announce to the world the coming of
the Messiah. He will also baptize Jesus,
thus sending him forth to baptize “with the holy Spirit and fire.” Both images relate the purification of sins
and the charging with love.
We have a
mission similar to John’s. We too are to
announce Jesus Christ to the world.
Those of us who can, should tell others about Jesus’ unique and wondrous
love for all. Others may present Jesus
to the world by unapologetic prayer or wearing a crucifix. Still others will openly serve the needy in
the name of Jesus.
