The Conception of Saint John the Baptist

Life

On this day is glorified the mercy, wonder, and wisdom of God: mercy toward the pious and righteous parents of Saint John, the elder Zacharias and the aged Elizabeth, who all their lives desired and asked of God for a child; the wonder of John's conception in the aged womb of Elizabeth; and the wisdom in the economy of human salvation. For with John, God had especially great intentions — namely, that he should be the Prophet and Forerunner of Christ the Lord, the Savior of the world. Through His angels God announced the birth of Isaac from the childless Sarah, and of Samson from the childless Manoah and his wife, and of John the Forerunner from the childless Zacharias and Elizabeth. Through His angels God announced the birth of those with whom He had special intentions. How could children be born from aged parents? If anyone is curious to know this, let him not ask men about it, for men do not know, nor the laws of nature, for this is above the laws of nature, but let him turn his gaze to the power of the Almighty God, who created the entire world from nothing, and who for the creation of the first man, Adam, had no need of any parents, whether old or young. Instead of curiosity let us render praise to God, who often manifests His power, mercy, and wisdom beyond the laws of nature, in which we, fettered as we are, would without God's special miracles fall into despair and forgetfulness of God.

From the Hymn of Praise

Iraida, a chaste maiden,Went to draw water.She returned not to her mother —She went to the Lord.