John Prepares the Ways of the Lord-Homily for the Solemnity of the birth of St. John the Baptist JUNE 2023
Homily for the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist. Isaiah 49:1-6. Psalm 139:1-3,13-14,15. Acts 13:22-26. Luke 1:57-66,80. Theme: John Prepares the Ways of the Lord. Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the birth of St. John the Baptist. Firstly, the date chosen for this birth was inspired by the prior choice of the date of Christmas six months' interval between the two births. Secondly, besides the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, this is the only feast of the birth the Catholic Church celebrates. For the Catholic Church, the birthday of the saint is the day of his death. It is the birth into heaven. Since we have proofs from the Scripture that John the Baptist was born in the grace of God, we celebrate his birth into this world. St. Luke tells us: "And when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in my womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit" (Luke 1:41). Even the archangel Gabriel foretold of this to Zechari...