John the Baptist

Celebrated in the Maronite Church on January 7

“I say to you that there is no prophet among those who are born of women who is greater than John the Baptist; and yet even the least person in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:28 (Lamsa)

 

Today we remember John the Forerunner. He came to prophesise and set the path for Jesus and Jesus praised him. We get wonderful insights into the life of St John from the Scriptures. We know from the events of his birth that he would be special. He was born to Elizabeth and the priest Zachariah in their old age after they had not been able to have children. He lived a simple life in the desert. He preached and prepared the hearts of people for Jesus. He baptized Christ. He was ultimately imprisoned and beheaded by Herod.

 

Let us learn from St John to always prepare our hearts for Christ. Let us have the faith to allow Christ into our lives. When John saw Jesus approaching he said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29. Like St John, let us believe with our whole hearts and spend our days preparing for Christ – even when the road may not be easy.