St. Peter once wrote: “the prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired about this salvation; they inquired what person or time was indicated by the Spirit of Christ within them when predicting the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glory. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things which have now been announced to you by those who preached the good news to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12).” He was grateful that the prophets, listening to the Holy Spirit and obeying his inspirations; acted and prepared the world for the coming of Christ.

Today is the birthday of the greatest prophet – St. John the Baptist. Jesus himself proclaimed, “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11:11a).  At the birth of St. John the Baptist, the neighbors and relatives who came to be with Elizabeth and Zechariah would themselves say: “What then will this child be?” (Luke 1:66)

And yet this same question could be now given to anyone of us! As Catholics we have the fullness of the truth – the fullness of Divine Love given to us through the Church, the Holy Spirit, and the Magisterium of the Church. If we look at the history of the Catholic Church we will see a variety of saints – all different, all unique – yet each one helped us now in our journey towards heaven. As it was for those who looked at the prophets of the Old Testament; we now look at the saints who inspire us and lead us to God.

After Jesus gave praise to the life of St. John the Baptist he also said, “Yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:11b) We too, can become saints – those who lead others to Christ. How? To live our lives as St. John the Baptist did. He was called to be the greatest prophet ever. We are all called to give the Good News of Jesus to others by word and witness.

Could I, also in my vocation, be the greatest too by pointing to Jesus with my life?  Do I see that I do matter and I am very important to many in this life and life yet to come? And yet, do I also see that my existence is not about me but instead my existence is about serving others and being a child of God?

Holy Spirit, we ask for an outpouring of your graces, blessings and gifts - upon those who do not believe, that they may believe. Upon those who are doubtful or confused, that they may understand. Upon those who are lukewarm or indifferent, that they may be transformed. Upon those who are constantly living in the state of sin, that they may be converted. Upon those who are weak, that they may be strengthened.  Upon those who are holy, that they may persevere. Holy Spirit, give us the gifts we need to come closer to God our Father and Jesus our Savior through your guidance. We need you to please awaken in us the graces that we received in our Baptism – where we became children of God, and in our Confirmation – where we became ambassadors for Christ. Come Holy Spirit, and fill us with the Fire of your Love. We ask this in Jesus Name. Amen.