Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Today's Mass Readings

He Must Increase; I Must Decrease
Only recently did I realize why the Nativity of St. John the Baptist occurs on June 24th. As it is recounted in scripture (see Luke 1:36), John was born six months before Jesus was. But we celebrate the Nativity of the Lord on December 25th, not 24th. Why the one day off? Perhaps so that the prophet’s words may be fulfilled: “He must increase; I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

As a monk who lives and breathes the liturgical year, I appreciate these little ingenious details of our lives in worship. One can learn a lot about the Catholic faith just from studying the liturgical calendar and the readings of the seasons. For example, we hear from and about John the Baptist in the season of Advent. Just as Advent makes us ready to celebrate Christmas, so John the Baptist prepares us to receive the coming of the Lord.

Okay, so John was born six months before Jesus and served as the Lord’s forerunner and herald. But how does this make him the greatest of all the prophets? How can Jesus say, “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist…?” (Matthew 11:11a) How could he be greater than Isaiah, Jeremiah, and all the other prophets of old?

1. 1. Because the prophet Isaiah spoke of him as the voice proclaiming: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD!” (Isaiah 40:3a; see Matthew 3:3)
2. Because the angel Gabriel said of him before he was born: “He will go before [the Lord] in the spirit and power of Elijah,” converting disobedient hearts to the way of righteousness. (Luke 1:17a)
3. Because his father, Zechariah, prophesied at his birth: “And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High…to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.” (Luke 1:76-77)
4. Because he had the first honor of pointing directly to Jesus and saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29b)

Yet, John the Baptist was not the Christ, as he himself said. (See John 1:20) John came to testify to the Light so that all might believe through him. (See John 1:7)

Reflection: John the Baptist is dear to monks and the monastic tradition, because of his prophetic role and ascetical life. Who is John the Baptist to you? What would you like to say to him today?

Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB