August 29, 2010

St. Theodore the Studite on the Veneration of John the Forerunner


By St. Theodore the Studite

I venerate those beautiful feet, which evangelized the good things to the people and with which he prepared the way for the coming of the Lord.

Bring also the precious chains with which was tied the most precious and angelic among men.

Bring also the revered plate on which was placed the most revered head worth more than all gold.

Moreover, if I found it, I would not leave unvenerated the murderous knife which entered the sacred neck, nor would I hold back from kissing the dirt which guarded this treasure, certain that even this would have transmitted to me divine grace.