SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST - Mass during the Day - Gospel (Lk 1:57-66, 80)

SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST - Mass during the Day Gospel (Lk 1:57-66, 80) When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel. The Gospel of the Lord: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God for Everyone Dear People of God, The Word of God for today reveals that the life of each person is in the hands of God. He created every individual with a unique soul and mission. All lives, souls, and vocations are important and good in God’s eyes. Therefore, whether a person is great or small is not what matters—what truly matters to God is faithfulness to the mission and vocation He has given, even before birth. Saint John the Baptist is a powerful testament to the strength and mission that God entrusts to a person. No one possesses the power and authority like God; everything is in His hands. If God does not grant it, humans can do nothing in this world. The image of Zechariah and Elizabeth also shows that God’s power surpasses human limitations. Elizabeth was old, and yet she gave birth. Who could have made that happen? Only God. The authority  and power of God is also evident in the life of Saint John the Baptist, whom He placed in His plan of salvation. Saint John was chosen to go before the Savior and prepare His way—a special calling from God. Saint John had the mission to preach the Word of God, calling people to repent, return to God, and prepare to welcome the Savior into the world. He was specially appointed by God. However, this did not mean that he did not make an effort, or that he did not sacrifice or give of himself each day. As a human being, he also needed to cooperate with the grace that God gave him—by letting go of everything in order to courageously go out and proclaim the Gospel of God's salvation to all people. He humbled himself and considered himself the least of all, saying: “The one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” Indeed, his life clearly demonstrated the power and authority of God. Because of his loyalty and obedience, he was constantly filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he completely fulfilled the calling and mission that God had given him, even to the point of giving his life in order to defend the Truth. In today's Word of God, He invites all His children to follow the example of the life, calling, and mission of Saint John the Baptist—through a life of dedication to God and a life of sacrificial service to others. The saint demonstrated loyalty and obedience to God in every step, so that all people might be able to receive the Savior. Reflecting on that calling, each person is invited to place themselves before God. He gives each one the grace needed for their unique vocation. When we receive our mission along with His sufficient grace, God calls us to carry it out faithfully and to remain obedient to Him until our final breath. We are called to devote ourselves to His plan, recognizing His power and authority manifested in all people. God demands nothing more than loyalty and obedience, just as the Son of God obeyed Him. Like Saint John the Baptist, who brought the Word of God to all people, calling everyone to repent and return to the God who always loves mankind. Thanks be to God. Amen.