John’s message was to draw people closer to Jesus Christ
Reflections on the readings for the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist / Mass during the Day (June 24, 2021): IS 49:1-6; PS 139:1-3,13-14,14-15; ACTS 13:22-26; LK 1:57-66,80
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
“For now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, That Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and my God is now my strength!” (Isaiah 49:5)
On this day we note the nativity of St. John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus and the person selected by God the Father to proclaim the coming of the Messiah. Even before his birth, John was no doubt recognized by neighbors and relatives as having received a particular call from the Almighty. Zechariah had returned from serving in the Temple completely mute. As the angel had declared, his voice was restored when he wrote that John would be the name of his son. So the people who lived in the neighborhood of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s home were probably not as surprised as they might have been when John grew up to an ascetic life dedicated to God’s service. While the prophecy from Isaiah draws our attention to Jesus, it also reminds us of John the Baptist’s resolution in announcing the arrival of the Messiah to all who would listen. “The Lord called me from birth, from my mother’s womb He gave me my name. He made of me a sharp-edged sword and concealed me in the shadow of His arm.… For now the Lord has spoken who formed me as His servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to Him” (Isaiah 49:1-2, 5).
John’s message was to draw people closer to Jesus Christ, not to himself. In addition he spoke with constant candor about the need for conversion of heart and repentance from sin. He would continue to do this even when it led to his own imprisonment and death. The life of John the Baptist reveals many virtues, including his fidelity and obedience to God, his courage and honesty, and his humility in directing his followers to our Lord as the Savior they had awaited. As John the Baptist said about Jesus, “I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of His feet” (Acts 13:25).
Suggested missionary action: Today let us pray to St. John the Baptist and ask him to assist our efforts to serve the Lord even in trying circumstances. We can ask St. John to help us look to our Savior for courage, integrity, and humility in doing all He asks of us. And we can pray for all missionaries today who, like John, proclaim the Good News of Jesus!