Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist June 24, 2007

Isaiah 49: 1-6 Acts 13: 22-26 Luke 1: 57-66, 80

It is not too often that we associate a sense of humor or cleverness with the institutional Church. Every once in a while, however, that humor or that cleverness can show itself. For example, one instance that I have long considered rather unusual, at least in the normal way of thinking, occurred when the Diocese of Joliet in Illinois was in need of a bishop. The bishop who was named to that diocese was “Romeo” Blanchette. Thus, the bishop of the Diocese of Joliet was “Romeo.” As it turned out, this was somewhat of an inspirational choice given the example which Bishop Blanchette showed at the time of a very difficult death.

An example of the cleverness of the institutional Church can be understood in today’s recollection of the birth of John the Baptist. This particular feast of the Church is seen as so significant in the life of the Church that this celebration is substituted for the regular Sunday. In the liturgical rules of the Church, this is quite unusual. But why is this feast set on June 24?

When Mary, the mother of Jesus, was informed that she was to give birth to the Savior, she was also told that her kinswoman, Elizabeth, was already 6 months pregnant. It was, then, a logical choice to situate this recalling of the birth of John six months before the Nativity of the Lord, Christmas. But when the determination was made of the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the exact date was not known. The early Church eventually settled on December 25. Some argue that this was a way of substituting for the Roman holiday of “Saturnalia.” More significantly, however, was the fact that this date fell shortly after the Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere, where the Christian church was growing. In other words, it was celebrated as the days of the year began to become longer, as daylight began to increase. This called to mind a statement of John the Baptist that is recorded in the Scriptures: “He must increase, while I must decrease.” The date for the remembrance of the birth of John the Baptist thus fall shortly after the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere, that is, as daylight slowly begins to decrease. Thus are reflected the images of both Jesus and John in the manner in which they enlighten the world. In a very clever way the feast of the birth of John the Baptist simply mirrors the experience with light where the Church was growing.

As significant as John was in the life and ministry of Jesus as the individual who would prepare the way for Jesus, announce his presence in the world, the recollection of his birth not only recalls him but suggests a reference or application to ourselves. What reminder should ths celebration have for us? I have frequently thought of Jesus’ remark about John: “the least born of the kingdom of God is greater than he.” What does it mean that a person who places faith in Jesus Christ and recognize the role of Jesus in the world and in one’s life is more important than even John the Baptist?

To be “born” into the Kingdom of God, to be incorporated or made a part of the Kingdom of God must certainly entail more than simply being baptized and bearing the name of “Christian.” Using the example of John the Baptist who put himself totally at the disposal of the Lord’s work in making sure that he was recognized and known, we need to realize that we who are “greater” than this must lead more than “ordinary” lives in our “ordinary” world. We are to do this, moreover, without all the trappings of a prophet which John certainly had.

To say the least, this is not an easy task. It makes demands of us that we often do not want. It means that the focus of our lives cannot be only ourselves. Rather, we must direct our lives to others and to God. This, however, contradicts so may of the values which our world puts forth with its emphasis on power, material goods, and especially ourselves. Like John, we must decrease while Christ is to increase. We can easily say that we are neither powerful or wealthy, an have little chance to be so. But the focus on ourselves can so easily creep in. Think only of the “10 Commandments” of driving that were suggested this past week. So much of the so-called “road rage” is the result of thinking only of ourselves as opposed to the safety of all drivers and pedestrians. Using others, hurting others, manipulating others are different ways in which we are selfish in a way so contrary to one who is supposed to be born of the Kingdom of God. In many respects we can be considered more knowledgeable of the depth of the tremendous love of God than was John the Baptist. We know the totality of the redeeming love of Christ on the cross.

The whole direction or effort of God is outward, other directed. God seeks the same from those who are born, who are part of, Hod’s kingdom. As John the Baptist, in his life-style and preaching, is an example who challenges us, we are to announce, we are to proclaim by our actions and our lives in an “ordinary” world, the goodness of a loving God.