Church Bulletin - June 24, 2001 - Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Nativity of St. John the Baptist - June 24, 2001

3rd SUNDAY OF MATTHEW - June 24, 2001
Nativity of St. John the Baptist
[ Click here for the Bible readings: Rom 13:11-14:4; Lk 1:1-25;
Lk 1:57-68; Lk 1:76 ]

"O PROPHET AND FORERUNNER OF THE COMING OF CHRIST..."

In the words of Christ Himself, Saint John the Baptist is the "greatest among those born of women." (Matthew 11:11) Throughout the course of our liturgical 1 year, we remember his conception, birth, beheading and the discovery and translation of his blessed relics. No other Saint receives such attention.

The Nativity of John the Baptist is chronicled by the Evangelist Luke. He tells of a pious elderly couple — the high priest Zacharias and Elizabeth — living with the stigma of having no children in a society that eagerly awaited the coming of the Messiah. While fulfilling his duties in the Temple one day, Zacharias was greeted by an angel, who told him that his wife would bear a child who would "turn many of the children of Israel back to God." (Luke 1:16) When Zacharias questioned this, the angel informed him that, because of his doubts, he would be unable to speak until the child was born.

Everything came to pass just as the angel foretold. When Elizabeth gave birth to a son, she insisted he be named "John", even though no one in their family had this name. When asked for his opinion, Zacharias wrote these words: HIS NAME IS JOHN. Immediately, his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he spoke, praising God. (Luke 1:64)

John's role in God's plan for the salvation of mankind was a significant one. He became the "voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord." It was John who would proclaim to a nation that hungered for righteousness: "I indeed baptize you with water, but He Who is coming after me is mightier than I. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." (Matt. 3:11)

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
1260 Davis Street, San Jose, California 95126