THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
First Reading - Isaiah 49:1-6
Second Reading - Acts 13:22-26
Gospel - Luke 1:57-66,80
The first reading offers us the Second Servant Song from the Book of Isaiah. This powerful passage reveals the servant’s mission: to bring the people of Israel back to God. Yet, it does not stop there. The mission is expanded beyond Israel to include all nations. The servant is commissioned to be a light for all peoples, bringing salvation to the ends of the earth. Though the servant struggles and experiences failure, he expresses deep confidence in God's plan. This dual focus—Israel and the nations—foreshadows the role of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Christ by calling all people, especially the lost, to repentance and reconciliation with God.
In the second reading, Paul speaks to the Jews, tracing the history of salvation and emphasizing that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises. He recalls how John the Baptist was the forerunner, preparing the people for the coming of the Messiah. Paul’s message is clear: God's plan unfolds throughout history, and John was a key figure in that divine narrative.
The Gospel recounts the birth and naming of John the Baptist. His coming was both miraculous and meaningful. Born to elderly parents, John’s birth was marked by joy and wonder. Elizabeth, led by the Spirit, insisted that he be named John—a name given by the angel, meaning “The Lord is gracious.” When Zechariah confirmed the name in writing, his speech was restored, and he broke into praise. These miraculous signs underscore that John’s birth was part of God’s divine plan. He was not just any child—he was set apart for a sacred mission: to prepare the way for Christ.
Dear friends, the three readings together affirm that John the Baptist was born with a purpose: to herald the coming of the Savior. He discovered that purpose and lived it with passion and fidelity. Today’s feast challenges us to do the same. We are not born into this world without reason. Each of us is part of God's design. But to understand that design, we must be willing to reflect, to pray, and to ask God to reveal His purpose in our lives. It is through examining our daily experiences, our past journeys, and our current circumstances that we begin to glimpse God’s will for us.
There is another important lesson from John’s life: the call to be a light. John became a light for others by pointing them to Christ. We are also called to be lights in our world—through our actions, our words, and our witness. Every gesture, every kind word, every decision rooted in Gospel values can become a signpost that points others to God.
May we learn from the virtues of St. John the Baptist—his humility, his courage, and his clarity of purpose. Let us ask God to help us understand the unique mission He has entrusted to each of us. And like John, may we become beacons of light who lead others closer to Christ.
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