Saint John the Baptist is an important saint in our faith. He serves as a key figure in Jesus' ministry and works, and is known for baptizing Jesus. His Feast Day is celebrated each year on June 24th.
Before Saint John was born, the Angel Gabriel appeared to Elizabeth and Zachariah to tell them that they would have a son and they would name him John. While they were skeptical at first, John leapt in Elizabeth's womb at the sound of Mary's voice - and from then on, Elizabeth knew that Mary was carrying Jesus, and she was carrying John.
Saint John lived a quiet childhood, until he started working in ministry. He was known for attracting large crowds together and baptizing each individual. One day, when Saint John was baptizing a crowd of people, Jesus appeared and asked to be baptized. At first, Saint John said Jesus should be baptizing him, but Jesus insisted that Saint John baptize him instead. When he did, the voice of God spoke to them saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." From that day forward, Saint John asked his followers to believe in the "Lamb of God" (Jesus).
While Saint John serves as an extremely powerful and moving figure, many quotes have been attributed to him over the years that demonstrate his loving spirit and message of hope and inspiration. We're sharing five quotes that truly inspire us and remind us of his works.
“Take me and break me, for I am willing to be broken; that you may have the bread of life.”
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.”
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
These powerful words from Saint John the Baptist remind us of his commitment to inspiring others, while serving as a model of love and faithfulness. We can draw strength and courage from his teachings as we strive to live out our own faith in Christ. On his feast day, let us all take a moment to honor him and his example of humility and devotion. May we continue to follow in his footsteps and trust God's love to guide us in the right direction.
A prayer to Saint John the Baptist
O God,
You raised up St. John the Baptist
to prepare a perfect person for Christ.
We call upon St. John’s intercession
to properly prepare us with a true
sense of repentance to receive Your
grace and salvation.
Make us faithful to Truth and justice,
as You did Your servant,
John the Baptist, herald of Your Son’s
birth and death. Lord, may You increase
Your life within us.
Amen.
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