St. John The Baptist

Most of what we know about John the Baptist comes from the Gospels. He is also mentioned by the Jewish historian Josephus. John the Baptist was the precursor or herald of the coming of Christ. His mother Elizabeth was a relative of the Virgin Mary and his father Zachary was a priest. John’s birth was announced to his father by the angel Gabriel as Zachary was serving his term in the Temple. He and Elizabeth had no children and they were getting up in years. Zachary wondered at Gabriel’s message and was upbraided for his lack of faith by being stricken mute until John was born. When Elizabeth was in her sixth month, the Virgin Mary visited her. Elizabeth praised Mary for her faith that she would be the mother of Jesus and the baby John leapt in his mother’s womb for joy. Theologians see this as a sign that John received sanctifying grace in his mother’s womb. John lived as a hermit in the desert of Judea until around 27 A.D., when he began to preach repentance on the banks of the Jordan. Thousands came out to hear and many were baptized as a sign that they repented from their sins. Jesus Himself came to John for baptism. John at first refused, saying that he was unworthy to even fasten the sandals of Jesus, but obediently gave in. John later pointed out Jesus as the Lamb of God to some of his own disciples. John was fearless in denouncing injustice and Herod Antipas arrested him when he denounced his adulterous marriage with Heriodias the wife of his brother Philip. Heriodias was furious and had her daughter Salome finagle Herod into beheading John. Salome danced for Herod and his guests at his birthday party; he unwisely promised to give her anything she wanted and at her mother’s instigation she asked for the head of John on a platter. Fearful of appearing weak before his guests, Herod complied with the shameful request. St. John the Baptist’s feast is June 29.