Residents, covered with dried banana leaves and mud, walk along a road as they participate in a religious ritual known locally as "Taong Putik" (Mud People), in the village of Bibiclat, Philippines, while celebrating the Catholic feast of St. John the Baptist June 24. At the Vatican, Pope Francis also celebrated the feast of the birth of St. John the Baptist and called him "the greatest among the prophets." (CNS photo/Erik De Castro, Reuters)
Bibiclat, Philippines — “The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove his sandals; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and he will gather his wheat into the barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
- Mat 3:10-12
