Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Tuesday of the 12th week in ordinary time, June 24, 2025, Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Delivered by Vici from the Parish of Saint John the Baptist in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. Isaiah 49: 1-6; Rs psalm 139: 1-3.13-14ab.14c-15; Acts of the Apostles 13: 22-26; Luke 1: 57-66.80.BECAUSE OF JESUS The title for our meditation today is:Because of Jesus. The plan to welcome the coming of Jesus Christ to the worldbegan from the moment the first human beings fell into sin. In relation withthis plan, the word of God today proclaimed in the book of Isaiah, says thatthere is a prophet whose birth was specially designed by God and has thespecial task of preparing the world for welcoming Jesus Christ. This can happenonly because of Jesus. Saint Luke in the Acts of the Apostlesand in the Gospel of Luke we have just heard, reveals that the prophet we allalready know is John the Baptist. His birth is very special as told in theGospel. Likewise when we celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary on September 8,or the birth anniversary of each of us, the celebration is special for eachindividual celebrant, all because it is associated with Jesus Christ. If it isnot Jesus as our reason to celebrate life, there is no meaning of a birthdaycelebration that is filled with gratitude, spiritual motivation and hope. John the Baptist was so happy forJesus was his cousin, or better, Jesus was very special to John. They were notjust related as brothers, but above all in them, God set up plan for thesalvation of mankind. The beginning of their relationship is the news from theangel Gabriel to Zacharia, John's father, about the birth of his son who wastruly miraculous. Giving the name "John" became a problem in thefamily when at that time Zacharia became mute. Elisabeth with her strong faithkeeping John's name, which means "God is generous" or "God istruly pleased". Miracle then occurred in order to fulfill the purpose ofpreparation to welcome Jesus Christ. The life of John the Baptist was fullof enthusiasm that brought others to Christ and the coming of the Kingdom ofGod. He had been full of the Holy Spirit since in the womb of his mother, andit was during this mission that the Holy Spirit made everything happenaccording to the divine plan, so that Jesus really coming to the world. Hisfamous words and we repeat every time we are prepared to receive the HolyCommunion, "This is the Lamb of God" (John 1, 29 and 36). He bringsothers to know Jesus Christ, so also draws Jesus Christ closer to people whowant to know Him. Now the challenge is for us, namely tobring others to know Christ and bring Jesus Christ to be close to the lives ofothers. We can do this if our lives are filled with divine grace. Let's pray. In the name of theFather ... O God, we are grateful that You give us Your mercy by presentingJohn the Baptist as an example for us how to be faithful to Jesus Christ, YourSon. May the example of John the Baptist remain a light in our lives. Hail Maryfull of grace ... In the name of the Father ...