Reflection by Fr. Collins Akhigbe OP
Scriptural passages
1st reading Isaiah 49:1-6. Psalm 138. 2nd reading Acts 13:22-26. Gospel Lk. 1:57-66, 80.
Theme: The Birth of John the Baptist
We celebrate today the birthday of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. The birthday of John the Baptist, celebrated in the Catholic Church, holds great theological and liturgical significance. It is one of the only three birthdays celebrated in the Church’s liturgical calendar, those of Jesus Christ (December 25), the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8), and John the Baptist (June 24). This highlights John’s unique role in salvation history. He is a bridge between the old and the new covenant. He came to prepare the ground for his Master, Jesus Christ. He preached the message of repentance to his people in preparation for the coming of our Lord and Saviour. We celebrate him today because he was truly a great man of God who fulfilled perfectly his mission on earth. The Lord has this to say about him. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist (Mt. 11:11). In this reflection we shall highlight the significance of the birth of John the Baptist and how to emulate his virtues.
The Significance of the Birth of John the Baptist
First, he was a chosen vessel for a special mission of being the herald of the Messiah. John the Baptist was divinely chosen to prepare the way for Christ. His birth signifies the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promises to send a Saviour. The angel Gabriel tells Zechariah that his son John will go before the Lord “In the spirit and power of Elijah” to make ready a people prepared for the Lord (Lk. 1:13-17). Zechariah proclaims, “And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways” (Lk. 1:76).
Second, John the Baptist came in fulfillment of the prophecy. The birth of John the Baptist marks the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, “A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3). His birth is miraculous as his parents were elderly and barren, demonstrating God’s intervention in history (Lk. 1:7).
Third, the birth of John the Baptist is a celebration of Light. John’s birth is celebrated near the summer solstice (June 24), when daylight begins to decrease, symbolizing his words, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn. 3:30).
This cosmic symbolism shows how John’s role was to point towards Christ and then step aside. He was true to who he was. A man of integrity.
Fourth, John the Baptist birth ushered in the call to conversion. John’s life and mission remind us of the call to repentance and conversion in preparation for the coming of the Lord. “John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mk. 1:4).
His birth reminds the faithful of the need to prepare their hearts for Christ through repentance.
Fifth, the Church honours John’s nativity, unlike most other saints, whose feast days are celebrated on the day of their death, because he was sanctified in the womb. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb.” John is considered filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth (Lk. 1:41).
Sixth, John the Baptist birth is connected to Christ’s Birth. John’s birth is six months before Jesus’, following the timeline given in the gospel. “In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent… to a virgin named Mary” (Lk. 1:26). This reinforces his role as forerunner and anchor in the divine plan of salvation. John the Baptist is truly a man of destiny.
How To Emulate His Virtues
First, we should emulate the humility of John the Baptist. John recognized his role as a servant, not the Saviour. He did not seek attention or glory for himself. “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn. 3:30). He admitted that he was not worthy to untie the strap of His sandal (Jn. 1:27). We should acknowledge God as the center of our lives. We should avoid pride and self-promotion. We should serve others without seeking recognition.
Second, we should emulate his courage and boldness. John the Baptist fearlessly spoke the truth, even when it put his life in danger. He rebuked Herod for his immoral actions (Lk. 3:19-20). He confronted sin in high places, which led to his imprisonment and death (Mt. 14:3-4). We should stand for truth and justice, even when it is unpopular.
Speak out against sin in love and charity. We should be courageous in defending our faith.
Third, we should emulate his faithfulness to God’s Mission. He dedicated his entire life to preparing the way for Christ. “You, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High…” (Lk. 1:76). He preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mk. 1:4). We should be faithful in our vocation and duties.
Fourth, we should embrace his simplicity and detachment. John the Baptist lived a simple life in the desert, detached from materialism. “John wore clothing of camel’s hair… and his food was locusts and wild honey” (Mt. 3:4). Practice modesty and contentment. Avoid excessive attachment to wealth or status. Focus on inner holiness rather than outward appearance.
Fifth, we should embrace the call to repentance and conversion. His ministry focused on calling people to conversion and preparing their hearts for Christ. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt. 3:2). We should bear witness to Christ by living a life of repentance and proclaiming the kingdom of God. This is one of the most effective ways we can emulate the example of John the Baptist.
Prayers
Lord, help us to fulfill our purpose here on earth. Lord, give us the grace of humility and simplicity. Lord, help us to become who we are. Lord, deliver us from hypocrisy and duplicity. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Wishing you a happy feast day.
With lots of prayers and love.
