The Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist, June 24, 2012

Fr. Jim Heft talks about three D's-- delight disciple, and diversity. In the first reading from Isaiah and in the responsorial psalm we learn that God has made each of us unique, special, and a light to the nations. In the second reading, we hear more about the unique qualities of John the Baptist. John's birth is celebrated near the summer solstice and Jesus' birth is near the winter solstice. These dates are chosen because of the concept that John must decrease--the days of light become shorter, until we near the celebration of Jesus' birth when the daylight increases. Elizabeth and Mary delight in the coming of their sons, and Zachariah proclaims the joy of his prophet son. All of are called to discipline, people called to practice the faith. God calls us in many ways, in diversity. Each of us has a path and God is the architect of our path. From the very beginning God called us in delight, we practice our faith as disciples and whatever diverse path we choose, and we strive to follow in God's plan. This homily is a response to the Gospel Luke 1:57-66, 80 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, "No. He will be called John." But they answered her, "There is no one among your relatives who has this name." So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name," and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be?" For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.