A Birth with a Purpose

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJ
Silence Turns into Proclamation
Reflection Date: June 24, 2025 Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Daily Readings: Isaiah 49: 1-6; Acts 13: 22-26; Luke 1: 57-66, 80

The Nativity of John the Baptist - Solemnity

The birth of John the Baptist marks the dawn of the Messianic age, bridging the Old and New Testaments. Unlike other saints, John is honored not only in death but also in birth—a privilege shared only with Jesus and His Mother Mary.

At the Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth, John, in his mother’s womb, experiences the touch of the Divine as he prepares the way of the Lord. His birth is not only a joy for his aging parents but also a sign of God’s intervention and mercy. God chooses him to be the forerunner of the Messiah, echoing the words of Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5). Each one of us is born with a purpose—to witness, to prepare, and to point others toward Christ.

Zechariah’s silence is broken with a prophetic canticle at John’s birth. The meaning of the name John is “God is gracious.” God's ways often transcend customs and expectations. When we recognize His work in our lives, grace flows, and His gracious purpose is made manifest.

Zechariah proclaims with great trust in God’s message, “His name is John.” This is a clear indication that God’s delays are not denials. Silence can become a sacred space for deeper trust, and when the time is ripe, the heart overflows with praise.

John’s greatness lies in his humility. He prepares the way for the Lord and then steps aside: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). His entire life is a call to direct everyone to Jesus. In a noisy world that constantly seeks attention, John’s life invites us to quiet humility and joyful service.

Call to Action:

• Let us grow strong in spirit, speak the truth in love, and live lives that always point to Jesus.