St. John, The Baptist remains a very important religious figure in Christianity. He is the pre-curser or announcer of Jesus’ coming,
giving his life as a martyr for the mission of Jesus Christ. Accordingly, his mother and father were Elizabeth and Zechariah.

Tomorrow, June 24, 2024, is the Feast of The Birth of John, The Baptist. Thus, in the opening antiphon of the Mass we read from John’s Gospel 1:6-7 and Luke 1:17 these words: “There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came t o bear witness to the light, to prepare an upright people for the Lord.” He is known as the fierce prophet of truth and justice. He is the sign of promise and expectation.

In him the entire prophetic ministry of the Hebrew Scripture (The Old Testament) is summed up. He preached self-purification and repentance so that all could embrace the Lord, Jesus. He insisted that prayer and penance is an excellent preparation for the coming of The Messiah. You do know that these words are true today!! Self -purification, penance and prayer are still the avenue of Jesus Christ. As Christians we reflect and look into our life, so that we may be able to recognize Jesus in our daily life and that of others.

“I ‘am the voice crying out in the desert; make straight the Way of The Lord” (Jn. 1:23; Is. 40:3) The people of his day were like us; doubtful and confused. They were people seeking and believing. St. John, The Baptist encouraged them to improve their Spiritual Life. In Christianity we improve our interior life (so important) to prepare for the coming of the Lord. It sounds like Advent, but it is not. The Lord Jesus comes to us every day.

Please join us Monday, June 24th, for Mass at 12:10 PM in honor of the Birth of St. John, The Baptist.

Incidentally, on June 24, 1978, 46 years ago, Bishop Peter Rosazza was ordained an auxiliary Bishop of The Archdiocese of Hartford. We wish him a very happy, healthy 46 anniversary.