The Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist.

"A man was sent from God, whose name was John. He came to testify to the light, to prepare a people fit for the Lord." (John 1: 6 - 7; Luke 1: 17).

Wednesday 24th June 2020, 12th Week in Ordinary Time is the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist. Apart from the nativities of Jesus and Mary, John is the only other Nativity celebrated by the Church.

Who is John the Baptist?
The destiny of the great oak tree is contained in the tiny acorn seed.
"Before birth the Lord called me,
from my mother’s womb he gave me my name." (Isaiah 49: 1).
John, whose name means "the Lord is gracious" or "God remembers" is the greatest in the line of powerful prophets that include Elijah, Isaiah and Jeremiah.

What is the mission of John? To prepare the Way for Jesus. John prepared for his life's mission with singleness of purpose. At a young age, he withdrew into the desert where he lived the solitary life of a hermit till God told him that the time was right for his manifestation to Israel.

John baptized Jesus the Christ in the River Jordan and introduced two of his disciples to Jesus. During his few years of ministry, he stirred consciences with the themes of righteousness and social justice.

John the Baptist paid the price with his life for witnessing to God's law to Herod Antipas.
John is noted for his profound humility. He was praised by Jesus as the greatest prophet.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com