NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Lectionary #586, 587

Falling near the summer solstice, this solemnity has been observed as one of the great feasts in many cultures, especially those related to Mediterranean nations. Its importance in the cycle of Christian feasts is indicated by the separate texts for a vigil Mass. The readings for both Masses focus on God's call to John as prophet from before his birth. God has a plan for all of us, though that plan may not involve such dramatic events as those surrounding the birth and ministry of the Baptist.

Vigil Mass, Lectionary #586

Jeremiah 1:4–10. Jeremiah's call to be a prophet will mean that he will speak God's words on a world stage, and that word will have power “to root up and to tear down, to destroy and to demolish, to build and to plant.

Psalm for the Vigil Mass: Ps (70) 71

This individual lament begins with an affirmation of trust in God and a promise to continue speaking God's word in spite of affliction.

Since My Mother's Womb (Currie/Gelineau) WOR 1033

Since My Mother's Womb (Guimont) RS 100

Since My Mother's Womb (Hughes) PC6 70

Since My Mother's Womb (Rachelski) SMM2 49

1 Peter 1:8–12. Writing to those who had never met Jesus, the author of this letter assures them that their faith will gain them salvation. The prophets were speaking to them, even though the prophets didn't know this at the time.

Luke 1:5–17. Just as Gabriel went to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26 –38), so an angel appears to Zechariah to announce the birth of John.

Songs for the Liturgy

See the suggestions for Mass during the day.

Mass during the Day Lectionary #587

Isaiah 49:1–6. The prophet known as Deutero-Isaiah tells about his call from God. His message will go not only to Israel but to the nations.

Psalm for the Mass during the Day: Ps (138) 139

The psalmist reflects on God's intimate knowledge of every human being. God is aware of the psalmist's every move, a knowledge which extends back to the very beginning, for God created the psalmist in the womb.

I Praise You (Armstrong/Somerville) CBW 220

I Praise You (Isele) SMM2 50

I Praise You (Kreutz) PC6 72

I Praise You, Lord (Currie/Gelineau) WOR 1034

I Praise You, Lord (Guimont) RS 187

I Praise Your Name (Lisicky) GC 135

Te Doy Gracias (Martínez) FYC 271

Te Doy Gracias (Montgomery) FYC 272

Acts 13:22–26. Paul proclaims an early summary of Jesus' life and mission, which includes the preaching and baptismal work of John as heralding Jesus' coming.

Luke 1:57–66, 80. Luke's account of John's birth and naming includes a miracle and, as at the birth of Jesus, speculation about what all of this might mean for the future.

Songs for the Liturgy

A Voice Cries Out (V1,D1,VG) GP 294/JS 174/RS 485/BB

Arise, Your Light Is Come (V1) CBW 302

*Before the Sun Burned Bright (V1,D1) GP 577/CBW 504

Blessed Be the Lord (DG) GP 442

Blest Be the God of Israel (DG) WOR 6/CBW 13E, 660/GP 156/JS 137, 413/WC 4, 264, 903/MI-BB

By All Your Saints Still Striving (V2, D2) WOR 706/RS 887/CBW 455/WC 592

By Name I Have Called You (V1, Vps, VG, DG) GP 582

Cántico de Zacarías Cantos 86/FYC 162, 289, 476

Christ Is Coming: Prepare the Way (V1, D1, VG) LMGM 10

Every Valley (V1, D1, VG) BB

God Has Chosen Me (V1, D1, Vps, Dps) GP 546/JS 709/GC 682/MI-BB

God, Whose Purpose Is to Kindle (V1, D1, VG) RS 828/GC 714

*Guide Me, Lord (Dps) RS 186

How Shall They Hear the Word of God (V1, D1) WOR 629

Let the Valleys Be Raised (V1, VG, DG) GP 310/JS 190/BB

Listen, My People (V1) CBW 309

*Lord, You Search Me and You Know Me (Dps) CBW 474

Make Straight the Way (V1, D1, VG) BB

My Soul in Stillness Waits (VG, DG) RS 495/GC 328

Now Bless the God of Israel (DG) RS 7/GC 5, 775

*O God, You Search Me (Dps) GP 601/MI-BB

Prepare the Way of the Lord (V1, D1, VG) WOR 369/RS 491/GC 336/CBW 317

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord (V1, D1, VG) LMGM 2

Ready the Way (V1, D1, VG) JS 182/BB

*Secrets of My Heart (Dps) WC 254

The Day Is Near (VG, VD) GC 768

The Great Forerunner of the Morn (VG, DG) WOR 698/RS 879

We Will Drink the Cup (V1, D1) GC 709

When Jesus Came to Jordan (V2, D2) WOR 697/RS 878

When John Baptized by Jordan 's River (V2, D2) WOR 412/RS 538/CBW 325

Whom Shall I Send (V1,D1) WC 567

*Without Seeing You (V2) GC 844

*You Are Near (Dps) GP 619/GC 604/CBW 487/JS 606/WC 980/LMGM 184/MI-BB

You Have Anointed Me (V1, D1) RS 795/GC 676/GP 555

*You Know Me, Lord (Dps) JS 434