Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Ant Work by Ann L. Krumrein

Ave Maria!  Here is another one of my sweet Annie's beautiful photos, taken in their Maine yard just a few days ago.  What a great image for today's Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist!  As the chosen forerunner of Our Lord, he was not the light but came to bear witness to the light, the true light that enlightens every man and woman (John 1:8-9).  John the Baptist knew his place in God's plan, and he reveled in it.  "You are my servant," God told him, "through whom I show my glory" (Isaiah 49:3).  John was happily content to reveal God's glory by preparing the way of Him whose sandals he was not worthy to unfasten (John 1:27).  Like the little ant humbly doing its work on the magnificent peony bud in the image above, John faithfully and selflessly carried out his God-given mission.  God's will!  It was enough for John to be the friend of the Bridegroom, to attend Him, waiting and listening for Him, and rejoicing greatly to hear His voice (John 3:29).  "This joy is mine," John professed, "and it has been made full!" (John 3:29)  So great and complete was his gladness that John freely gave his entire being over to the Beloved Bridegroom, declaring in total self-surrender: "He must become greater, I must become less." (John 3:30)

Dear St. John the Baptist, pray for us to do God's will as you did, with humility, detachment and joy.  Amen.  Alleluia!