Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Lk 1:57-66, 80

Among the Church’s liturgical calendar, only three birthdays hold a special place: the Nativity of Our Lord (December 25), the Nativity of His Mother (September 8), and the Nativity of His forerunner, John the Baptist, on June 24. This unique celebration of St. John the Baptist's birth underscores his pivotal role in the grand narrative of Christ.

Jesus, Mary, and John the Baptist. So why does the Church celebrate the birth of St. John the Baptist but not St. Joseph or other great saints? Saint John the Baptist was set apart from the womb to prepare the way of the Lord and was a significant figure connected to the Incarnation and the Redemption. The Church honors him because he prepares the way for Christ.

St. John the Baptist's celebration is not a testament to his personal greatness but a reflection of his profound understanding of his role in the grand narrative of Christ. His humility and self-awareness, which were not just admirable traits but also a powerful example for all of us to follow, should inspire us to seek the greater purpose and not personal glory. He would have wholeheartedly agreed with Jesus' words: “The least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28), a testament to his humility and self-awareness.

John was a humble man who understood his mission well. His mission was to prepare the way for the Lord.

What can we learn from John the Baptist?

John the Baptist, whose ministry sets a model for all of us as Christ’s disciples. I believe that we are all called to serve God in different ways. Our mission, like John's, is to prepare the way for Christ, preach about Christ, lead people to Christ, and give ourselves totally for Christ. We must profess as what John did, "I am not the Christ," "I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, 'make straight the way of the Lord'" (John 1:23). We must humble ourselves as John did "I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals." (Luke 3:16). To fulfill our mission, we must decrease, and Jesus has to increase (John 3:30) To fulfill our mission we must be humble, decrease and empty ourselves so that Jesus's grace may increase and work perfectly. Indeed, I am convinced that our mission is to point to Jesus and say, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29). May God bless us all as we strive to fulfill this mission.