What are successes in the face of transience?

The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist – Is 49:1-6; Ps 139; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66,80

Today, we celebrate the solemnity of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist. The prophecies surrounding him were nothing short of extraordinary, hinting that he would be someone truly remarkable. And who was he? Indeed, he turned out to be exceptional – but perhaps not in the way people originally expected.

Back then, many may not have understood his greatness. Here was a humble ascetic, baptising by the Jordan, whose star was suddenly outshone when Christ appeared. His life began in a truly inspiring way yet ended so tragically, with his head severed at the mere whim of Herodias’ daughter.

From a human point of view, one might call it a failure. But look a little deeper, and you realise that everything fits into “the purpose of our faith: the salvation of souls.” How incredible is it that God can transform what appears to be a senseless tragedy into a powerful part of our eternal plan?

Thank you, God, for reminding us that without the hope of Heaven, neither our earthly failures nor our shining successes would have any true meaning.