The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

“John is his name”
Couplet for the Nativity of St. John the Baptist
From Luke 1:63, 80; Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23
©️2021 by Gloria M. Chang

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

In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said:

“A voice of one crying out in the desert,
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.’”

Matthew 3:1-3 (cf. Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23)

2 Replies to “The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist”

  1. Dear GMC, your beautiful reflection reminds me how when I was younger I wished my birthday fell on June 24th, not June 23rd, so I could have st. John the Baptist as my birthday saint. Because of that missed birthday I have made st. John the Baptist the saint I pray to, to teach me humility and goodness and to get me closer to our Lord. Thank you for the call back to innocence your reflection gave me.

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