(d.30) Saint John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus, gets two feast days. June 24th is the Solemnity of his birth (Luke 1:57-80). Also known as the Baptizer, the Forerunner, and last of the prophets, John was the son of Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth. His conception and mission were announced by an angel (Luke 1:8-17), and he was filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb (Luke 1:41). He preached repentance, baptized Jesus, and was beheaded under King Herod.

It can be difficult to identify with someone who was so radically holy. At the same time, it can be an inspiration to recall that John chose to intensely love God throughout his life, just like we are called to do. Focusing today on the start of his life, we can also consider his father’s doubt at the angel’s announcement (cf. Luke 1:5-22). Do we still doubt God? Where we are powerless (Step 1), He can restore sanity (Step 2).

“Because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace” (Luke 1:78-79).