What are your plans for dinner this evening? Well, it is customary in many countries to celebrate today's Feast of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist with a bonfire, known as Saint John's Fire, followed by a summer cook-out.
"Saint John's Fire symbolizes Christ the Light; John was a lamp that burned and shone. We Christians should be the light of the world," explains Father Pius Parsch (1884 – 1954) in his book, The Church's Year of Grace.
Before eating, it is also customary to prayerfully recite the Canticle of Zechariah, the song of thanksgiving uttered by Saint John the Baptist's father upon the birth of his son. You can find this in the Gospel of Saint Luke 1:68-79. Here is a link to the prayer.
Of all the great figures in salvation history, the Church only celebrates three nativities: Jesus Christ, Our Lady, and Saint John the Baptist. So why is Saint John's birth given such reverence?
“The reason for this is, of course, that the Lord willed to announce to men His own coming through the Baptist, lest if He appeared suddenly, they would fail to recognize Him,” explains Saint Augustine of Hippo, the great 4th/5th century Doctor of the Church.
“John represented the Old Covenant and the Law. Therefore, he preceded the Redeemer, even as the Law preceded and heralded the new dispensation of grace.”
So do have a happy and holy feast day! Saint John the Baptist, pray for us!