St John the Baptist’s birth was foretold by an Angel to Zechariah his father. At the time, Zechariah was an old man and his wife Elizabeth was barren.
St John is described as having been sent by God, “To bear witness to the light so that through him everyone might be saved”. St John preached a message of baptism for the forgiveness of sins and he described Jesus as the one who would, “Baptise with the Holy Spirit”.
When St John and Jesus met at the River Jordan, Jesus insisted that St John baptise him, whereupon the heavens opened and a voice proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”.
St John was imprisoned by Herod for denouncing his marriage to his brother’s former wife and niece. Soon after, he was beheaded as a ‘favour’ to Herod’s stepdaughter.
The Feast of St John the Baptist (Beheading) is the 29th August (Died 31-36). He is the Patron Saint of the Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem and many places including, Jordan, Puerto Rico, French Canada, Newfoundland and Perth (Scotland).
St John The Baptist:
Pray for us that we will use the gifts of the Holy Spirit received at our Baptism wisely.
Glory be to the…
