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 this unique attention in recognition of his special and present part in God's plan of salvation (see Mt 11:11).
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: | "Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know the whole of it."–Ps 139:4 |
| PRAISE: | St. John the Baptizer rejoiced when people began "flocking to" Jesus instead of to him (Jn 3:26). He responded, "[Jesus] must increase, while I must decrease" (Jn 3:30). |
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