Most often we remember the saints on the day of their death, the day then enter into glory. There are three times we remember a birth: for Jesus, Mary and John the Baptist. The fact that the Baptist is mentioned in the same breath as Jesus and Mary tells us how important he is in the history of salvation. On the occasion of his birth the people said: “What, then, will this child be?” But really, we can say that about every child. Every child has an unlimited potential for good. But as the three highlighted at their birth prove, each child is going to bring God into the world in their own way. Mary in hers, Jesus and John in theirs. St. Augustine points out the distinct vocations of John and Jesus. John is by his own definition “the voice.” Jesus is “the Word.” Giving voice is important, it is how the message is heard. But the Word is more important because the Word contains the content of the message — God’s unconditional love for every one of us.
JUNE242025
By Church Staff
