Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Today is the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Last Friday, June 20, was Summer Solstice, the longest day of sunlight of the entire year. So, what does that have to do with this feast? The Fathers of the Church saw a spiritual connection between the solstice and St. John’s birth which holds a valuable lesson for us. Quoting John 3:30, “he must increase, I must decrease,” they interpreted the gradual decrease in sunlight between now and Christmas as a symbol of Saint John’s self-effacing act of stepping aside to point the way toward Christ, the true light of the world whose birth we celebrate amid the darkest days of the year in December.
In today’s second reading from the Acts of the Apostles (13:25) we hear a compilation of quotes taken from all four Gospels: “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.” John claims no glory for himself. With all humility, he directs the attention of his followers toward Christ, the one whose sandal straps he is not worthy to untie.
We are challenged today by St. John’s example to “step aside” as he did to make way for the true light of the world. Whether we are teachers, preachers, counselors, retreat directors, deacons, priests or parish ministers of any kind, we are called to draw others to Christ, not to ourselves. It is a good rule of thumb in all that we do to ask ourselves the question: “Will this draw others closer to Jesus?” And on this day, we look to Saint John the Baptist to intercede for us in receiving God’s gift to be able to “decrease” and to allow Christ to “increase” in the lives of all persons we meet.
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections