June 23, 2022. Gospel Luke 1:5-17. Vigil of St John the Baptist.

Luke 1:5-17 “1:5. There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zachary, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth. Of the course of Abia. . .that is, of the rank of Abia, which word in the Greek is commonly put for the employment of one day: but here for the functions of a whole week. For, by the appointment of David, 1 Par. 24., the descendants from Aaron were divided into twenty-four families, of which the eighth was Abia, from whom descended this Zachary, who at this time was in the week of his priestly functions. 1:6. And they were both just before God, walking in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blame. 1:7. And they had no son, for that Elizabeth was barren: and they both were well advanced in years. 1:8. And it came to pass, when he executed the priestly function in the order of his course before God, 1:9. According to the custom of the priestly office, it was his lot to offer incense, going into the temple of the Lord. 1:10. And all the multitude of the people was praying without, at the hour of incense. 1:11. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 1:12. And Zachary seeing him, was troubled: and fear fell upon him. 1:13. But the angel said to him: Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard: and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son. And thou shalt call his name John. 1:14. And thou shalt have joy and gladness: and many shall rejoice in his nativity. 1:15. For he shall be great before the Lord and shall drink no wine nor strong drink: and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 1:16. And he shall convert many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 1:17. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias: that he may turn the hearts of the fathers unto the children and the incredulous to the wisdom of the just, to prepare unto the Lord a perfect people.” Excerpt From The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete Anonymous https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-douay-rheims-complete/id955129088 This material may be protected by copyright.