The Church actually does not celebrate
the birthday of the saints but She celebrates the date of saints’ death (their martyrdom) as their
special day in the liturgical calendar. Today we celebrate John the Baptist’s
birthday at this point in our liturgical calendar because of his work,
announced by Archangel Gabriel to Zechariah, his father (LK 1:17). John the
Baptist plays a unique role in the history of salvation.
The Church today reminds us of the birth of John the
Baptist. The purpose of John the Baptist’s work
was to prepare the way for Jesus. John the Baptist was a model of the key
virtue of humility as he said, “He must increase and I must decrease.”
Each new child reflects of the infinite beauty and mystery of
God. The little ones teach us that we need to grow in holiness. In their
childlike simplicity they teach us to remain simple.
Each and every child is loved by God and has a destiny in the
heavenly Father's plan. Each has a vocation, a calling in the Church. Do we
appreciate the role that little ones have in God’s plans? Do we respect the
little ones dignity? They are tomorrow's youths.
St. John the Baptist, please pray
for us and our little ones always.
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