The Nativity of the Honourable and Glorious Prophet John, Forerunner and Baptist of Christ
Romans 13:11b-14:4; Luke 1:1-25, 57-68, 76, 80
All-Night Vigil Feast. A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy. Apostles’ Fast. Abstinence from meat and foods that contain meat.
Read Romans 13:11b-14:4
Today we celebrate the nativity of St. John the Forerunner—on the Church calendar year we only celebrate two others: the Nativity of Mary (Sept 8) and the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ (Dec 25). St. John is an important figure who brings the time of the Old Testament Prophets to an end. He is the forerunner who comes in the spirit of Elijah in order to turn the people back to the Lord in preparation for His great coming. St. John cries out, ‘I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’ (John 1:23). These words, which come from Isaiah 40:3, not only call people to repentance but when reading in the context of chapter 40 (Isaiah 40:3-31) they inspire hope. He is prophesying the end of exile when God will Himself return to defeat his enemies and lead Israel back into the land where he will dwell with them. St. John is preparing the people to receive the Light, which will bring the era of darkness to an end.
St. Paul also calls us to “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.” Yes, we must do this concretely through life long repentance, but we can also do this by shining the light of Christ into every aspect of our life: recalling at every moment that Christ is always present, therefore, whatever deed, word or thought we enact should always be brought to the light of Christ. Any word, thought, or deed that is not in line with Christ needs to be cast out. This way we will be continually preparing the way for the coming of the Lord, by removing the darkness, so that the Light may shine brightly in our hearts. St. John the Forerunner pray to God for us.