Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. The opening prayer for Mass today says that John the Baptist was raised up by God to “make ready a nation fit for Christ the Lord.” Father Dave invites us to consider that in today’s world, it’s us believers who take up that task from John: making ready the people in our lives to receive Jesus the Lord. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Parish in New York City on 6-24-19.