Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. And, for the celebration of this feast, we fittingly hear about the birth of that saintly man. However, we also hear about the remarkable and miraculous circumstances surrounding that birth. In the narrative account of the Gospel, a great deal is made about the boy’s name. Elizabeth defends the name of John; and Zechariah, though unable to speak, confirms it. And, when the name is proclaimed, Zechariah’s mouth is opened; and he regains the capacity to bless God vocally and to sing God’s praises. So, we may wonder what is so significant about this name of John.
In the Hebrew language and culture, names represent something more than just a title. Hebrew names frequently give a message, revealing the identity of the person along with his or her character and mission. And John’s name is no different. In Hebrew, the name of John means something equivalent to “God is gracious.” And, in this name, we discover the importance of St. John the Baptist and his nativity celebrated today: Even from his birth, St. John the Baptist is a prophet proclaiming the message of God’s graciousness and mercy. And, above all, as we read in the Second Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, this proclamation of God’s graciousness is manifested by John’s pointing to Jesus. Essentially this great prophet says with his entire life, “Look here, in Jesus, God is truly gracious.”
And so, as we celebrate the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, we may ask ourselves, “What message am I proclaiming?” And, like another St. John the Baptist, how can I proclaim everywhere and at all times that “God is gracious”?