John the Baptist was the son of Sts. Zechariah and Elizabeth. Although his birth, like that of his cousin Jesus Christ, was miraculously announced by Archangel Gabriel, the two grew up under different circumstances. While Jesus had the shelter and the warmth of a family, John’s home was the wilderness with animals for his companions and honey and locusts for his food. No wonder, this child of nature turned out to be rough and tough both in his method and linguistic style. “You brood of vipers…the axe is already at the root of the trees,and every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Lk.3: 7-9).
John was a man open to the Spirit of God. As soon as the “Word of God came (to him) in the desert,” he responded positively to his call and “went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a Baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Lk.3: 2-3). The voice of prophecy had been silent for centuries. Now, the appearance of John on the shores of the Jordan raised new hopes that the advent of the promised Messiah was nigh. In fact, he was to be the last in the long line of prophets. As the people heard through him the voice of God and as they found in him austerity of life and sincerity of purpose, large crowds followed him seeking baptism and guidance. His general instructions were to repent “for the forgiveness of sins” and to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” It was not enough to trace their ancestry to Abraham, but rather, their thoughts and deeds were to match Abraham’s life and faith. No one can live on the spiritual capital amassed by others. John encouraged the masses to be open-handed in their service by sharing their tunics and food with their less fortunate neighbours. He told the tax collectors to practice justice while the soldiers were advised to be satisfied with their pay, not to extort money and not to accuse any one falsely.
The baptism John administered, the repentance unto forgiveness he preached and the good life he wanted the masses to lead were ultimately meant to prepare them to welcome the Messiah whose coming was imminent. In other words, his mission was to prepare the way of the Lord so that all mankind could benefit from God’s salvation. (Lk.3:4-6). John fulfilled his task admirably well. In discharging his God-given duty, he never claimed any credit nor usurped the Messianic title for himself, not even claimed himself to be a prophet, but merely an empty voice in the desert. In fact, he felt himself totally humbled at the gigantic responsibility assigned to him. “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mk.1: 4-7).
John had the unique privilege of baptizing Jesus at the Jordan and witnessing a unique prodigy. “…Just as he was coming out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn apart and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: you are my son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” (Mk.1: 9-11). John’s next act of self-lessness was to introduce Jesus to his other followers as their promised Messiah. “The next day, John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed: “Look, here is the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.” (Jn.1: 35-37). The precursor had done his duty and could say with Prophet Simeon: “Master, now you could dismiss your servant in peace, according to your word.” (Lk.2: 29). The scene was now set for Jesus to occupy the centre stage.
The message of John was directed not only to the Jews but to the Gentiles as well. Since he was a man of prayer, transparency, austerity of life and detachment from persons and possessions, he could convey the voice of God effectively. He denounced evil wherever he found it without fear or favour. In fact, he publicly rebuked King Herod Antipas of Galilee for divorcing his legitimate wife and marrying Herodias. “It is not lawful for you have your brother’s wife.”(Mk.6: 18). Though the King imprisoned John due to the instigation of Herodias, he attempted to protect the precursor realizing that he was a “righteous and holy man.” The details of the insidious plot of Herodias and Salome and the gruesome murder of John the Baptist under orders from a lustful and drunken King make painful reading. (Mk.6:17-29). It is believed that John’s mortal remains were interred in Sebaste, Samaria. Though his tomb in Sebaste was desecrated by the Roman legions under Julian the Apostate, the veneration for this fearless champion of Christ had been in existence there from the fourth century onwards.
Reflection: It is a unfortunate that the “drunken oath” of a reckless king, the seductive dance of a fickle girl and the venomous heart of a ruthless queen combined to silence the “voice of God” while the entire court was a mute witness to this gruesome tragedy. How true it is that friends/partners in life can make or break one’s life. Responding to God’s call may often mean losing one’s head on earth. But it will bring us a crown of glory in heaven.
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (Mt. .11: 11)
