Nativity of John the Baptist -- June 23rd (this year)

 

 Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist. The birth of John the Baptist causes us to reflect upon the deep meaning of God’s special concern and mission for each person.

With reference to the future coming of John the Baptist, the prophet Isaiah states, “The Lord called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.”

Before the John the Baptist was born, even while he was in his mother’s womb, God gave him a name and mission. We know this especially when we hear about the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and said, “Your wife Elizabeth is to bear you a son and you must name him John.” The angel said, “Even from his mother’s womb he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. With the spirit of Elijah, he will go before him to turn the hearts of fathers toward their children and the disobedient back to the wisdom of the virtuous have, preparing for the Lord a people fit for him.”

However, despite the appearance of the angel, Zechariah did not believe. And because he failed to believe, he would be unable to speak.

And so it happened, when Elizabeth gave birth to John, the people asked Zechariah what was the name to be given to the child. Elizabeth said the child’s name was to be “John”, but they refused to believe her. Because he was unable to speak, Zechariah wrote the name, “John” on the writing tablet. He immediately began to speak and then was inspired to say the beautiful Benedictus.

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Zechariah then foretold the mission of his son, John the Baptist. He said, “You my child shall be called the prophet of the most High. For you will go before the Lord to prepare His way to give the people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins.”

St. Luke states that the Blessed Virgin Mary went in haste to Her cousin Elizabeth and was present when John the Baptist was born. Just before his birth, the unborn John, recognized the presence of Jesus in Mary’s womb and leapt with joy. Elizabeth also recognized that Mary was the Mother of the Lord.

John’s Nativity is significant, because Jesus and Mary were both present at his birth. John’s birth was significant because he received his name from God, through God’s messenger, the angel. John’s birth was significant because before he was born the Lord God gave him a mission.

Before we were born, God had a name and a mission for us. As the prophet Jeremiah said, “Before I formed you in your womb, I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations, I appointed you.”

Each one of us received a name when we were born. We also have the ability to receive another name at our Confirmation. And those who are religious received a new name when they became a novice.

A new name indicated God has a new mission for us. Those to whom we live with and the souls for whom we pray and offer our sacrifices-- belong to our mission in helping others to obtain their mission and receive the grace of salvation.

If each of us has a name and a mission before we are born, we can see how tender and loving God cares for each of us. We can come to understand that at the moment God created our soul, He desired that we be with Him forever in heaven.

How many unborn children die today, who never receive a name given by their parents, nor are they allowed to fulfill the mission for which they were created?

Every child conceived in his or her mother’s womb will be truly given a name and they will be able to fulfill their mission in which they were created to accomplish.

May Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron of the unborn pray for us.