THE SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.
THE SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.
"When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son.
"Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.
"When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.”
"But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”
"So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed.
"Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.
"Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
"The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel." (Luke 1: 57 - 66, 80).
Monday June 24th 2024 is the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist.
How many Birthdays are celebrated in the Church's 365 days Liturgical Calendar? Only Three:
1. Christmas, Birthday of Christ the Lord - 25th December.
2. Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary - 8th September.
3. Birthday of St. John the Baptist - 24th June.
This indicates that John the Baptist is a significant persona in salvation history.
Who is St John the Baptist?
Let us sketch a profile of St John the Baptist:
He is the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Born into a priestly family, he had an educated upbringing and was privileged.
His name is John: "God is gracious."
He was sanctified in his mother's womb. He kicked his mother hard in the womb with excitement when Mary visited Elizabeth.
John was chosen by God the Father to be forerunner of Jesus Christ and to prepare His way.
John baptized Jesus in the River Jordan.
His humility is supreme. He said: "He [Jesus] must increase. I must decrease." And he allowed his disciples to switch allegiance and follow Jesus.
John gave his life for Jesus. He was a great martyr for Jesus.
St. John the Baptist understood very well God’s purpose for his life, that is, to prepare the way for Jesus Christ.
Without compromise, John fulfilled this mission which was foretold long before his birth by the Prophet Isaiah.
Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest of the prophets.
What are his virtues? Courage, wisdom and the spirit of prophecy must be mentioned among many.
John died like Christ for the kingdom of God. In dying for Christ, we are most like Christ. This is why the Church honors martyrs very highly.
The Holy Catholic Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus every June.
Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June.
For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below.
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