Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Today's Mass Readings

The readings today speak of God’s messengers and how their lives pointed us in the direction of Jesus. For Isaiah and St. John their stories echo many similar themes. For both, the call to do the Lord’s work was established in the womb - a theme today’s psalm repeats. For both, their lives like arrows were aimed towards the salvation of the nations. For both, their toil, at least from the outside, seemed to have been in vain; yet, their acts helps in the task of salvation. Both of them got their strength from the Lord. Thus they stayed faithfull to the message and their voice was heard by many. In the second reading from Acts today, St. Paul describes John as the one who preached a baptism of repentance. Paul makes clear that John’s voice and actions were not about himself. John’s life made clear that his life was about the One coming after him. The One who followed him would bring salvation.

Even the barrenness of Zechariah and Elizabeth became and opportunity for God's glory to be manifested. As the gospel says, “the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.” (Luke 1:58). Zechariah's doubt, Zechariah's muteness, and Zechariah's deviation from the tradition of naming the child in line with the family becomes an occassion for God’s plan to be revealed and fulfilled. John indeed becomes, as today's first reading suggests, "a light to the nations..." But of course, that Light was Jesus.

As you go about our day, look for opportunities that will allow your life and words to point to Jesus.

"Lord, we praise You for we are wonderfully made. You formed our inmost being and made us to give praise to You. Help us to recognize that you have created us for this purpose. It is when we acknowledge this mission with our life that we too will be given our voice. Like John the Baptist, help us to trust deeply in You so that our lives herald You. Amen!"

-Michael Montgomery & Fr. Satish Joseph