The Spirit has led the Church to celebrate the birthdays of only three people – Jesus, Mary, and St. John the Baptizer. The Church gives St. John such special attention in recognition of his special and present part in God's plan of salvation.
John the Baptizer continues to powerfully confront the Herods and Herodiases of today, those trapped in sin, especially sexual sin (Mk 6:18). John's prophetic ministry continues as he challenges our society to be baptized in repentance (Mk 1:4).
John still prepares the way of the Lord (Mk 1:3). Because John is alive and being used by the Lord, we are excited about this feast day. This day is not just a memorial but an opportunity to experience the reality of repentance and conversion through the ministry of John.
Ask John to pray for you and minister to you. You will see that the Lord is still working through John. St. John the Baptizer, pray for us.
| PRAYER: | Father, send a "John the Baptizer" into my life to change my heart. |
| PROMISE: | "Stand up and tell them all that I command you." –Jer 1:17 |
| PRAISE: | St. John the Baptizer unceasingly worked for purity in marriages and in government until it cost him his life. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College