Feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Good morning. “It is all about me.” That seems to be a key mantra for our current-day society. In fact, I think the world of marketing counts on it. I’d guess many of us see this in our work places, where it becomes a matter of self promotion versus promoting the good of the organization. Well, today we celebrate the life of a man who clearly understood who and what was truly important. The Gospel for today tells us of the birth of John the Baptist. John the Baptist lived a life which pointed to Jesus, not himself. Our second reading from today from the Acts of the Apostles reminds us that “Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.” John the Baptist was a truly humble man. He understood that his life and what he was about was only as important as how his life directed others to the importance of having God in their lives. This all-important message is a very crucial one for each of us, for true humility is the key which unlocks the door to salvation. This likewise offers a message for us as married couples and as parents. In both situations, we are called be as servants. Yes, certainly our role as a parent is important, but there is a big difference between being important and self-importance. In a similar way as John the Baptist, as parents we point the way. As parents, like the words of John the Baptist, "He must increase, but I must decrease" our jobs as parents have us fading into the shadows as our children become independent and accomplished. If as parents we have done our jobs, with a sense of importance versus self-importance, then our children become more center stage and we are able to sit back in the wings and enjoy the fruits of our efforts and appreciate their accomplishments. Above all, we know that we have done our jobs if those accomplishments point to God in their lives and service to others. Make a great day!

Today we celebrate Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist.