Scripture Readings for June 24, 2025

Isaiah 49:1-6, Psalm 139: 1-3, 13-15, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66, 80

Today, if you aren’t already aware, is the Solemnity of St. John the Baptist. The feast is made a Solemnity in order to give greater emphasis to the importance of John the Baptist.

The importance of John the Baptist is an interesting contradiction. In the course of the history of salvation he could be considered an “also ran.” Jesus is the key figure. He is the one who changes everything and his followers, the 12 Apostles, the Evangelists, Mary, and all the other disciples carry the story forward. John the Baptist is the last of what was left behind. He was a prophet calling out for the Messiah, he too was looking for someone.

So what makes the Baptist so important? We know that as the Gospel story develops he will be the one to Baptize Jesus. He will be the one to point him out to others. It is entirely likely that it is his words, his challenge that were key to the spiritual transformation of Jesus. But that is not the topic of today’s readings. Today we hear about his birth and his naming. He is called John instead of a name from his family heritage. It was a very unusual thing to do. But that unusual naming said something. John in Hebrew means, “the Lord has shown favor.” Isn’t that exactly what Elizabeth was expressing, having given birth to a first born in her old age? Isn’t it exactly what the Angel told Zachariah he was to name his son? Didn’t we all feel exactly that way when we saw our first child born. What else could a new child represent but the favor, the blessing of God.

But the truth is we don’t know. We never know when a child is born what will happen over the years. That’s exactly what everybody was thinking about this child named John, “What then will this child be?” Wouldn’t we all like to know what life will bring for our children, for ourselves? What’s more, it doesn’t get any easier as life goes along. No matter how favored we are by God, no matter how loved, sometimes we wonder if what we are doing is worthwhile. That’s what Isaiah is naming in the first reading, …God has called us since birth, protected us and given us the task of demonstrating His love of us all. Yet to quote Isaiah, “I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength.”

John the Baptist is the poster child for doing what you think is right but not being “the one.” I think John represents all of us who can’t be sure if what we are doing is making a difference but we do it anyway. Luke in the Acts of the Apostles records the stance John the Baptist took, “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.” There it is. I have my part to play, but I’m not the big cheese and don’t expect me to be.

That’s why I think John the Baptist can be a model for us and our lives. Each of us has a role to play, we each point to Jesus in our own way. By living a faith filled life we make a statement about the value of faith in Jesus. But it’s not always easy for us to see how very important that role is. At times we can be discouraged and uncertain. Unlike John the Baptist, we’re not going to be able to unfasten the sandals on Jesus’ feet. Perhaps on this Solemnity that celebrates the unique importance of John the Baptist, what we should remember is the meaning of John’s name, the Lord has shown favor. We know that’s what God is about, grace and blessings. Like John, it is our job to pass it on by how we live. Whether we can always see the value of what we do or not, we are part of spreading God’s salvation to the ends of the earth.