June 24 2019 - Nativity of John the Baptist

When the Church celebrates the feast day of a saint, we are usually celebrating the day of the saint’s death. For example the feast of Aloysius Ganzaga last week was on June 21, because he went to his eternal reward on June 21, 1591. 

But the Church also celebrates the days of birth of three persons:  Jesus, of course, on the feast we call Christmas; the Blessed Virgin Mary, on September 8th, nine months after the feast of her Immaculate Conception; and Saint John the Baptist.  In fact, Byzantine Catholics celebrate the conception of John the Baptist nine months prior to today’s feast, on September 24, which they call, The feast of the Conception of the Precursor.

John has always had a place of very high esteem in the Church, this feast of his birth dates all the way back to the 4th century. John was praised by the Lord himself, when he said, “I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John”. 

John is honored, certainly for the great role he played in salvation history. His was the lone voice in the wilderness pointing others to Christ. When we take John as a Patron, he will always help us to point others to Christ, even when it feels like we are a lone voice.

John is also honored because of his personal holiness. In a sense, he was a saint already in the womb of his mother. He was able to detect the presence of the Lord, he lept for joy, still in the womb of his mother Elizabeth. And John gives us the key to holiness in his utterance, “I must decrease so that Christ may increase”. As Christians, followers of Christ the Lord, it is our hope that others may see Christ in us. That our egos, our sins, our willfulness might not obscure the presence of Jesus Christ in us. His teachings, his Spirit, His heart, his concern for doing the will of the heavenly Father, his willingness to embrace the cross, should be evident to those we meet. It is our hope that others encounter Christ in us, and this becomes possible when we decrease all that is not Christ and of Christ, as John the Baptist did.

Though, he was born holy, John the Baptist’s holiness shines forth in his life, his willingness to preach the truth, even when that brought the wrath of those in power upon him, his purity, his attentiveness and devotion to the Holy Will of God. May John help us to decrease, that Christ may increase in us and in the world, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That Pope Francis and all the clergy may witness to the truth of the Gospel faithfully, courageously, and compassionately.

For the protection of the unborn, and that people of goodwill will work together to enshrine the protection of the unborn in law and in the hearts of all.

For the conversion of those who do not believe in God, for Catholics who have left the Church, those guilty of heresy or schism, and for a return to the sacraments of those who have fallen into serious sin.

For the sick and afflicted, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, for victims of natural disaster,  those who suffer from war, violence, and terrorism, all victims of abuse, especially children, for the mentally ill, those with addictions, and the imprisoned, for those who struggle to live the call of Christian chastity, for the comfort of the dying and the consolation of their families.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased priests and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom, for the repose of the soul of St. Joseph Father Larry Tosco, and for N. for whom this mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.