Saint John the Baptist
St. John the Baptist
"The memory of the just is praised,
but for you shall suffice the witness of the Lord, O Forerunner.
For you have truly emerged as the most revered among the Prophets,
since you proved worthy to baptize in the streams
the one they preached about.
Thus having contended for the truth supremely,
with joy you brought the good news
-- even to those in Hades --
of God who did appear in the flesh
and took away the sin of the world,
and grants to us his great mercy."
- Apolytikion of St. John the Baptist
Cousin of Jesus Christ. Son of Zachary, a priest of the
order of Abia whose job in the temple was to burn incense;
and of Elizabeth, a descendent of Aaron. As Zachary was
ministering in the Temple, an angel brought him news that
Elizabeth would bear a child filled with the Holy Spirit
from the moment of his birth. Zachary doubted and was
struck dumb until John's birth.
Prophet. Began his ministry around age 27, wearing a
leather belt and a tunic of camel hair, living off
locusts and wild honey, and preaching a message of
repentance to the people of Jerusalem. He converted many,
and prepared the way for the coming of Jesus. Baptized
Christ, after which he stepped away and told his disciples
to follow Jesus.
Imprisoned by Herod. Died a victim of the vengeance of a
jealous woman. Beheaded, and his head brought to her on a
platter. Saint Jerome says Herodias kept the head for a
long time after, stabbing the tongue with his dagger.
~ Promise to… ~
be kind to yourself.
look in the mirror and see
that you are beautiful.
Make three wishes,
Be strong.
Nurture you soul,
Continue your prayers.
Let go of any pain.
Banish any anger.
Take one moment at a time.
Hear music.
Make music.
Seek inspiration.
Learn.
Believe in fairy tales
And in the magic
Of your dreams.
Find that dreams do come true.
Hug yourself.
Feel the sun shine.
Believe again.
Smile.
Seek laughter.
Always remember that you have
A guardian angel
Watching over you.
Find hope.
Find your true love.
~ You Are The Best Friend I've Ever Known ~
You are my best friend,
You listen to what I have to say,
No matter how unimportant
You listen without judging
You give your opinion when asked
You listen whole heartedly
Without distractions
You are my best friend
You care about me
About who I am
Where I am going
What I am doing
You care about our relationship
And make that extra effort
To make me feel at home with you
We complement and complete
Each other
You give so much of yourself
To me and to others
Without ever expecting
More in return
You are my best friend
And you'll always be
A part of my life
