Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The Love of St John

Wine is traditionally blessed on St John's day, commemorating the destruction of a poisoned bottle when the evangelist made the sign of the cross over it. The blessing for St John's wine can be found in the Roman Ritual. Have an extra bottle blessed for any couples that will be married in the next year. Make tags with an appropriate Scripture verse; the pictured bottle's tag says: "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God." [i Jn 4, 7]

Share the bottle of blessed wine, mulled if you like, among your friends and family. The leader raises his glass, and says, "I drink to you the love of St John"; the next person responds, "I thank you for the love of St John."

No comments: