Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist
As we commemorate the death of John the Baptist today, it is perhaps fitting to take a moment to consider the incredible role that he played in salvation history. John had a very interesting and singular role as he helped to prepare the people of Israel to be capable of properly recognizing and receiving the Messiah.
John’s entire life pointed to God. Before he was even born, he bore witness to the presence of the Christ at the Visitation of the Blessed Mother to Elizabeth. Even then, John recognized the presence of Jesus and leapt in his mother’s womb for joy. It is profound to consider that this recognition of the Lord by a lowly, unborn child prompted the famous exchange between Elizabeth and her cousin Mary.
The entirety of John’s earthly life was spent pointing the way to God. From his youth, John lived in the desert and dedicated his life to the service of God. He is famously known as “the voice crying out in the wilderness” who urged the people to repentance. The chief aim of repentance is the reparation and restoration of right relationship. Everything about John’s life and everything he did pointed to the necessity and the goodness of living in right relationship with God, and his example provides an excellent opportunity for personal reflection. How do our own lives point to God? How do we witness to the importance of right relationship with God and how might we foster that in our daily interactions with others?