June 24, 2024 – Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.
“What, then, will this child be?” (Luke 1:66)
How is this question answered in later gospels? The name John means God is gracious. John appeared in the desert with a new and radical message from God; the long awaited and promised Messiah was coming, get ready and prepare for him. John was only the messenger; he himself was not the Messiah. His role was to point to Jesus, to lead people to Jesus and to prepare people for Jesus.
John made it known there was someone greater coming, “I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.” John reminded the people of the promise God made to them, and also challenged the way they were living and treating each other. They had broken the covenant God made with them. His role, as he saw it, was to preach the word of God without fear and without compromise. Ultimately, John was willing to give up his life to accomplish that goal.
More than likely, none of us will be asked to give up our lives for the gospel. But we are all asked to be messengers by God. Each of us is asked to live, share and “proclaim the gospel to every living creature.”
“What, then, will this child be?” He will be our example of what it means to be a courageous proclaimer of the Word.
From the Deacon's Desk 