Birth of St. John, The Baptist, June, 24 2026
Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. First Reading From the Book of the Prophet Isaiah Listen to me, O islands; hear me, distant peoples. The Lord called me from my mother's womb; while I was still in my mother's womb, He pronounced my name. He made my mouth like a sharp sword; He hid me in the shadow of His hand. He made me a polished arrow and kept me in His quiver, and He said to me: “You are my servant, Israel; in you I will reveal my glory.” Then I thought: “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing.” Yet my cause was in the hands of the Lord, and my reward was with my God. Now the Lord speaks, He who formed me in the womb to be His servant, to bring Jacob back to Him and gather Israel around Him. The Lord honored me greatly, and my God became my strength. And now the Lord ...