Why does the Catholic Church celebrate the birth of St. John the Baptist?

Unlike nearly every other saint, the Church celebrates the Nativity of St. John the Baptist because he was sanctified in his mother's womb and born free from original sin. His entire mission was to prepare the way for Jesus Christ and teach us the path of humility, penance, and self-denial.

In this traditional Catholic sermon, discover:

• Why only three birthdays are celebrated in the Church's liturgical calendar
• How St. John the Baptist was sanctified before birth
• Why the Jews believed John might be the Messiah
• The meaning of "He must increase, but I must decrease"
• The symbolism of the summer and winter solstice
• The importance of humility and mortification in the spiritual life
• Practical ways Catholics can imitate St. John the Baptist today

Drawing from Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church Fathers—including St. Ambrose, St. Gregory the Great, St. John Chrysostom, St. Bede, and St. Hilary—this sermon reveals how St. John's life points entirely to Christ.

As St. John reminds us:

"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)

May this feast inspire us to deny ourselves, grow in humility, and allow Christ to reign more perfectly within our souls.

00:00 Introduction
00:16 Why Only Three Birthdays Are Celebrated
00:57 St. John Sanctified in the Womb
02:04 John's Mission to Announce Christ
02:47 Why Many Thought John Was the Messiah
04:40 Christ Praises St. John the Baptist
06:00 "I Am Not the Christ"
07:00 The Voice Crying in the Wilderness
08:21 John's Disciples Must Follow Christ
09:42 "He Must Increase, I Must Decrease"
10:14 The Summer Solstice and Divine Providence
11:13 Becoming More Like Christ
11:50 Mortification Explained
13:10 Exterior and Interior Mortification
14:09 True Humility According to the Saints
15:25 Finding Interior Peace
16:17 Uprooting Pride and Self-Love
16:55 Support Sensus Fidelium

Please say an Ave for the repose of the Priest's soul.

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