john lives
“Herod feared John, knowing him to be an upright and holy man.” —Mark 6:20
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).
Reference: (If you are divorced or separated, come and receive healing from our loving Lord at our annual retreat, Healing the Broken Hearted, Sept. 15-17. For information or to register, call 513-373-2397 or email retreats@presentationministries.com.)
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 4, 2023
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.