But the Church also celebrates the days of nativity—the birthday— 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.
St. John the Baptist is fittingly honored and contemplated by the Church, certainly for the great role he played in salvation history.
In the second reading from the book of Acts, we heard how St. Paul elaborated on the role of John. Paul explained that “John heralded” the coming of the Savior. His was the lone voice in the wilderness pointing others to Christ.
In this way, John fulfilled the role of prophet. Like the prophets of old, John called Israel to repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah called Israel to “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good.” Jeremiah urged Israel, “return, faithless Israel” to the Lord, for God is merciful. Ezekiel preached “repent and turn from your transgressions” for God desires “not the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live”
And this was John’s message, repent, wash yourselves, the Messiah is coming. In this way John was prophetic, in the biblical sense. And since John was active just before and during the early part of Jesus' ministry, this makes him chronologically the last prophet. With Jesus' arrival, the need for prophets to foretell his coming was no longer necessary.
But the Church rightly teaches that every baptized member of the Church has a prophetic role in the world. Each of us in our own way are to point others to Christ. John, in a sense, is a special patron of all Christians. We are all to learn from him, and imitate him, in witnessing in word and conduct of life, that Jesus is the Messiah, and that all people are to turn away from sin and follow him.
The Baptist practiced self-denial—living in the wilderness, wearing camel's hair, eating locusts and wild honey—for himself to spiritually prepare for the prophetic ministry God planned for him. So, too, each of us does well to intentionally take on some form of Christian asceticism, as a way of being mindful and ready to do the Lord’s work. Our Friday penitential abstinence from meat or other penance is one form of that ongoing ascetism of the Christian life that fuels us and keeps us focused.
John fearlessly confronted King Herod Antipas about his unlawful marriage. He was fearless. He was holy. He was humble. His life was centered on Christ. May ours be the same…for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
For the Church, that like John the Baptist, we may boldly proclaim Christ in word and deed, and that all of the baptized may live out their prophetic calling with zeal and dedication.
For world leaders, that following John's example of standing up to corruption, they may be aligned with the will of God in their duties.
That prophetic voices in our time may be heard and heeded as they call us to repentance and renewal in our personal and communal lives.
For our parish community, that we may embrace our prophetic role, witnessing to Christ's love and mercy in our families, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
For those who face persecution for their faith, that they may be strengthened by the example of John the Baptist's unwavering commitment to God's truth.
For all who have died, especially those who, like John, have given their lives in witness to the truth. May they rejoice forever in the presence of the Lamb of God
God our Father, you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for your Son. Hear our prayers and help us to follow John's example of humility and courage as we strive to make Christ known in our world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
