THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST  Lectionary #586–587
The solemnity of John’s birth is one of the oldest feasts in the Roman calendar: It is one of the few to have a vigil Mass with its own special texts. Observed at about the time of the summer solstice, it occurs about a month after the celebration of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth on May 31, when Elizabeth’s baby leapt in her womb (see Luke 1:39–80). The vigil was celebrated with the lighting of “St. John’s Fires” on hilltops, probably an ancient practice associated with the solstice. Like some other saints who were beheaded, John is a patron saint of singers! This solemnity is a very important feast in many cultures.

VIGIL Lectionary #586
Even if we don’t realize it, we’re serving God’s purpose and plan.

Jeremiah 1:4–10. The call of Jeremiah “in the days of King Josiah.” The prophet should rely on God’s promise and on the words that God will provide.

Psalm of the Day: Ps (70) 71
The verses from this individual lament that we use today come from the first part of the psalm, a plea to God for deliverance, though our excerpt ends with praise of God’s righteousness.

In You, O Lord (Ford, chant)  BFW 330
Since My Mother’s Womb (Currie)  WOR 1033
Since My Mother’s Womb (Guimont)   RS 100

1 Peter 1:8–12. Part of what is probably an ancient baptismal homily, this reading points out that we all work for God, but what we do may fit a pattern in the divine plan that we can’t yet discern.

Luke 1:5–17. The promise of a son made to Zechariah in the Temple is a promise filled with pain, because the priest Zechariah would certainly be aware of what usually happens to God’s prophets.

Songs for the Liturgy
See Mass during the Day

MASS DURING THE DAY Lectionary #587
John served God as prophet and as herald. How is he a model for us?

Isaiah 49:1–6. In one of the servant songs, the prophet celebrates a ministry of reconciliation in which God calls Israel back. The servant will be a light to the nations.

Psalm of the Day: Ps (138) 139

I Praise You, O God (Currie) WOR 1034
I Praise You, O God (Guimont) RS 187
I Praise Your Name (Lisicky) GC 135
Search Me, O God (Inwood) WC 255
Secrets of My Heart (Englert) WC 254
Te Doy Gracias (Martínez)  FYC 271
Te Doy gracias (Montgomery)  FYC 272

Acts 13:22–26. John is presented as a herald for the savior, Jesus.

Luke 1:57–66, 80. The story of John’s birth includes a miraculous cure of Zechariah. There are strong parallels between this story and Luke’s narrative of Jesus’ birth (2:6–21), including the use of a name given by an angel to the child before birth.

Songs for the Liturgy

By All Your Saints Still Striving  RS 887/WC 592/WOR 706
Canticle of Zachary (Daw)  JS 137
Canticle of Zachary (Duck/Forest Green)  GC 775/GC2 5/RS 7/WC 264
Canticle of Zachary (Joncas)  GP 156/JS 413
Canticle of Zachary (Quinn/Forest Green)  WOR 6
Canticle of Zechariah (Quinn/Este’s Psalter)  CH 421
Canticle of Zechariah (Janco)  WC 4
Here I Am, God (Warner)  WC 215
Here I Am, Lord (Cooney)  GC2 35/GP 204
Here I Am, Lord (Schutte)  GC 686/GC2 671/GP 542/JS 528/RS 802/WC 987
Here I Am, Lord (Ward)  WC 465
*The Great Forerunner of the Morn  RS 879/WOR 698