John the Baptist, Bridging the Old and the New – Jun 24 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr. Joseph Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jun 24, 2025, where he reflects on St. John the Baptist’s Nativity, emphasizing his role as the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, preparing hearts for Jesus Christ.

Father celebrates the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, one of three nativities honored in the Catholic Church, alongside Jesus and Mary. He emphasizes St. John’s role as the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, noting his significance as the last Old Testament prophet who points to the era of grace in Jesus Christ. Father reflects on John’s mission, foretold in Luke 1:5-17, to prepare hearts for Christ through a baptism of repentance, as described in Matthew 3:1-6. John’s confirmation in grace in Elizabeth’s womb, referenced in Luke 1:41, equipped him for this divine task, as per the Catechism of the Catholic Church #523. His humility, captured in his words “I must decrease, He must increase” from John 3:30, inspires believers to prioritize Christ. Father highlights John’s martyrdom as the ultimate witness of faith, noted in Mark 6:29, and connects his birth to the anticipation of Jesus’ Nativity, which ushers in the New Covenant, as explained in CCC 706. He encourages us to seek John’s intercession to fulfill God’s will daily, living with humility and devotion.

For Further Reading

Luke 1:5-17 - NAB - Birth of John foretold - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?5
Matthew 3:1-6 - NAB - John’s baptism of repentance - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/3?1
Luke 1:41 - NAB - John’s confirmation in grace - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?41
John 3:30 - NAB - John’s humility and precedence - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?30
Mark 6:29 - NAB - John’s martyrdom and witness - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/6?29
Catechism of the Catholic Church #523 - John’s role as forerunner - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a3p3.htm#523
Catechism of the Catholic Church #706 - New covenant in Christ - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p1s2c3a8.htm#706
Catholic Encyclopedia - St. John the Baptist - Life and mission overview - https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08486b.htm

00:00 - Opening blessing
00:10 - Nativity’s significance
00:31 - Old Testament bridge
00:50 - Pointing to Christ
01:18 - Grace in the womb
01:50 - Fulfilling God’s will
02:23 - Humility and preparation
02:50 - Martyrdom and covenant

Ave Maria!

Mass: Birth of St. John the Baptist - Solemnity - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=152
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062425.cfm
1st: isa 49:1-6
Resp: psa 139:1-3, 13-15
2nd: act 13:22-26
Gsp: luk 1:57-66, 80

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1095

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