Today (June 24th) we celebrate the feast of John the Baptist. He was a celebrity in his own way. Thousands flocked to hear him and be baptised by him. But John was not interested in fame. He never wanted to draw attention to himself. For John there was always more than one way. For him this way was the person of Jesus.

John’s mission was to prepare the way for Jesus. He was a bit like a grounds man before an important game. He lined the pitch, mowed the grass just right and got everything ready as it should be. Then when the game started he stepped back knowing his job was done.

John wanted to draw attention to Jesus. He had no reservations and no inhibitions in proclaiming that he was proud to be a follower of Jesus. Sometimes we drop our heads and often we’re not proud of what we believe in. It’s almost as if it is a bit embarrassing to say we believe.

The feast day of St John calls us to hold our heads up. We are called to be proud of what we believe in. This includes our good news and our special story that is unique to us.