The Nativity of St John the Baptist

Today is the feast of the Natvity of St John the Baptist.

The New Liturgical Movement has reproduced an informed and informative article by Michael P. Foley from the Summer issue of the magazine The Latin Mass about the life of the Great Forerunner which repays reading. It examines the Gospel accounts of St John as well as the Old Testament background to and context of his ministry and its place in the Jewish tradition. The author draws attention to the importance of accuracy in translation of the narratives, and to the physical realities of the Baptist’s life. It also considers his place in Salvation history, together with how perceptions of that have developed and changed in recent centuries. That last process has unfortunately led to a decline in appreciation of St John the Baptist’s significance today by comparison with the widespread devotion to him earlier centuries.

The article can be read at The Forgotten Forerunner

St John the Baptist Preaching in the Wilderness

Anton Raphael Mengs (1728-79), probably painted in the 1760s.

Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Image:Wikimedia