Homily: Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

📖 Readings: Isaiah 49:1–6 | Psalm 139:1–3, 13–15 | Acts 13:22–26 | Luke 1:57–66, 80
🕊️ Theme: “His Name is John – A Voice, Not the Word”

Introduction – A Baby With a Name That Shocks

A priest once joked at a baptism: “We are naming this child ‘Wi-Fi’ – because everyone will want to connect with him!” Of course, the congregation laughed, but imagine the stunned silence in Zechariah and Elizabeth’s community when they announced, “His name is John.” Not Zechariah Jr., not a family name, but John—“God is gracious.” The birth of John was not just a family affair, but a divine intervention, a disruption with purpose.

 Birth Foretold – God’s Plan from the Womb

In Isaiah 49, the prophet speaks of being called “from the womb” and named by God even before birth. This echoes the mystery of John’s own birth. His arrival was not accidental. It was part of a carefully written script in salvation history.
John’s identity was not based on inheritance or popularity but on divine mission. Psalm 139 reminds us that “we are fearfully and wonderfully made”—not mass-produced, but uniquely crafted by God.

This gives us a profound message: Each life has purpose, even before it is visible. Never underestimate the child in the womb, the quiet elderly person, or even yourself. God’s plan often unfolds in silence before it is announced in thunder.

Obedience over Custom

When Elizabeth insisted that the baby be called John, everyone objected. “There is no one in your family with that name!” But Elizabeth and Zechariah were not naming the child according to custom, but according to calling.
We often live under the pressure of culture, expectations, family legacy—but John's birth reminds us that God’s will often breaks human convention.

To follow God faithfully sometimes means breaking with what is expected. Like Zechariah, who regained his speech only after writing "His name is John," we too must sometimes go silent before we can speak clearly again. Silence heals, deepens faith, and sharpens hearing.

3. A Voice Preparing the Way – John’s Role in the Gospel

John’s life was clear in purpose: he was not the Light, but came to bear witness to the Light (cf. John 1:8). He was the “voice in the wilderness,” crying out for repentance and preparing hearts for Jesus.

He knew who he was, and more importantly, who he was not.
In a world full of people trying to be everything, John teaches us humility: “He must increase, and I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

This is a lesson for all disciples: we are not the Saviour, we are signposts. We are not the Light, but we must reflect it. Like John, our task is to point to Jesus—not ourselves, not our achievements, not our brand, but Christ.4. From the Wilderness to the World

Luke tells us that “the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.”

In a noisy world, the wilderness may be the only place where God's voice is clearly heard.
Wilderness is where God shapes prophets. Are we afraid of the silence and the spiritual solitude required for this shaping?
John came from the wilderness not with charm, but with truth. And truth is what prepared the people to meet Christ.

Conclusion – What’s in Your Name?

The name “John” means “God is gracious.” His birth, his life, his message—all point to grace. He reminds us that God’s grace prepares the way before His glory is revealed.

On this solemnity, may we too:

• Recognise that we are called from the womb,

• Obey God above culture,

• Accept our role as voices rather than the Word,

• And embrace the wilderness where God forms saints.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You called John the Baptist to prepare the way for Your Son. Help us to prepare the way for Christ in our own hearts, homes, and communities. Teach us to be faithful voices in a noisy world, humbly pointing others to You. Like John, may we be strong in spirit, courageous in truth, and joyful in Your grace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.