St. John the Baptist

Today we celebrate the birthday of St. John the Baptist – one of three birthdays in the Catholic liturgical calendar, the others being that of the Lord Jesus Christ  Himself and of His Blessed Mother. It is interesting to note that St. John the Baptist’s birthday comes just as the days are starting to get shorter (in the Northern Hemisphere), whereas Christ’s birthday comes just as they are starting to get longer:   “He must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30).

Book of Heaven
6/24/00 – Vol. 3

 After this, giving a little respite to His moans, He (Our Lord Jesus Christ) told me (Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta):  “My daughter, it is these sad times that force Me to this (chastise), because men have grown so bold and proud, that everyone thinks he is the god of himself; and if I do not lay hand to scourges, I would do harm to their souls, because the cross alone is the nourishment of humility.  So, if I did not do it, I Myself would cause them to lack the means to be humiliated and to surrender from their strange madness, even though the majority of them offends Me more.  But I do this like a father who breaks the bread for all to be nourished – a bread which some of his children do not want to take; even more, they use it to throw it in their father’s face.  What has the poor father done wrong?  So I am.  Therefore, compassionate Me in my afflictions.” 

Having said this, He disappeared, leaving me half-awake and half-asleep, not knowing, myself, whether I have to wake up completely, or go back to sleep.