On traditional church calendars, the primary feast commemorating St. John the Baptist is the twenty-fourth of June and is important for several reasons. First, it is noteworthy because, unlike many saints' days, it commemorates the day of birth rather than the death or heavenly birthday of the saint. Secondly, the whole of John's life is closely related to that of his cousin and Lord, Jesus. A third importance is liturgical since the Gospel includes the canticle Benedictus which is the most commonly used canticle in Morning Prayer. Of lesser importance is the cultural and geographical fact that this feast has given its name to several locations in the Caribbean and the Americas.
The Gospel from Luke 1:57-80 speaks of John's birth, circumcision, and naming. It shows Zachariah's reaction to his son's birth and his prophetic song of praise about God's coming work through John's ministry. John's purpose in life is to be the forerunner of the Christ, the Lord come among His people. John will "go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God" ( Luke 1: 76-79). Although unique, John's shares a vocation with every Christian: that is, to call people to repentance and to faith in the good news of Christ.
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