John the Baptist was born to Zachariah and Elizabeth, and holy couple that had been barren for many years. They did not believe that they would ever have children, until the Angel Gabriel came to them and told them that they would have a son, and that they were to name him John. Zachariah wasn’t convinced of the Angel’s holy message, so he was struck mute until John was born. “He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed.” (Luke 1:63).
Elizabeth and Mary were cousins, and when Mary came to visit Elizabeth while they were both pregnant, John lept for joy in his mother’s womb. Elizabeth’s words to Mary are remembered in the Hail Mary, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Luke 1:42).
When John began his ministry, he proclaimed the coming of the Kingdom of God, and many people came to listen to him preach. John fulfilled a prophecy from the Book of Isaiah. John wandered in the wilderness where he proclaimed the coming of Christ, and repentance through baptism. He also preached that while he baptized with water, someone was coming that would baptize with the Holy Spirit. John was preparing the people for Jesus’ ministry. He told the people, “Behold, here is the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36).
While John was baptizing people in the River Jordan, Jesus came as well to be baptized by his cousin. John told Him that he was unworthy, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied with, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.”
John continued to preach and prepare people for Jesus, and while more and more people began to follow him, King Herod became nervous about his rising popularity. Herod had John arrested and thrown into jail. Herod married his brother’s ex-wife, Herodias, and John told him that what he did was wrong. Herodias did not like this, and wanted John killed, but Herod enjoyed listening to John. Herodias’ daughter danced for Herod, and he was so pleased that he told her that she could ask him for anything. After asking her mother’s advice, she asked for John’s head on a platter. Herod was saddened by this request, but he did as he was asked. John’s followers took his body away and buried him. Some scholars see John’s arrest, death and burial as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ fate. When Jesus heard this, he was saddened, and when away to be alone for a while before returning to his ministry.
In Matthew 11:11-15, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the lease in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen!”
Activities to Try:
+ Pray to St. John the Baptist, that we may love Jesus as he did.
+ Share Jesus’ love and message with people in your life, like St. John the Baptist did.
St. John the Baptist
O God, You raised up St. John the Baptist to prepare a perfect person for Christ.
We call upon St. John’s intercession to properly prepare us with a true sense of repentance to receive Your grace and salvation. Make us faithful to truth and justice, as You did Your servant, John the Baptist, herald of Your Son’s birth and death.
Lord, may You increase Your life within us. Amen
St. John the Baptist
Pray for Us
Comments