John the Baptist

     Yesterday marked the Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist.  I celebrated the Saturday evening liturgy at the Church of Saint Paul in Greensburg, recorded my Radio program on WAOB later that evening, and yesterday took part in the first Saint John's Fire Celebration in the Diocese of Greensburg - a gathering for Evening Prayer and social time and fellowship gathered around a blazing fire.  This is a common celebration in many parts of the world, and it finally found its way to Greensburg.  Even our beer was appropriately from the All Saints Brewery.  It was fun.

     Our understanding of the importance of John the Baptist is highlighted in the fact that he is one of one three whose birth and death are celebrated by the Church - Jesus, Mary and John.  It is usual for the Church to recognize the entry into heaven that comes with death, since this is the new birth of the saints in glory, but in these three we celebrate both.

     I found that the Preface for this Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist states so well the high regard we have for this saint.  I would like to share these words with you that come from the Roman Missal.

     "It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God,

through Christ our Lord.

      In his Precursor, Saint John the Baptist,

we praise your great glory,

for you consecrated him for a singular honor

among those born of women.

      His birth brought great rejoicing;

even in the womb he leapt for joy

at the coming of human salvation. 

He alone of all the prophets

pointed out the Lamb of redemption.

      And to make holy the flowing waters,

he baptized the very author of Baptism

and was privileged to bear him supreme witness

by the shedding of his blood.

      And so, with the Powers of heaven,

we worship you constantly on earth,

and before your majesty

without end we acclaim ... "