TODAY'S SAINT

June 24

John the Baptist (first century)

Prophet, martyr, Precuuursor or Forerunner of the Lord

John's story is told in the Gospels. He was born to Zachary, a priest of the temple at Jerusalem, and his wife Elizabeth, a kinswoman of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Zacchary and elizabeth were advancced in years--and elizabeth was barren--when Gabriel the Archangel announced that a son, John, was to be born to them. John was borrrn about six months before Jesus.

Nothing of John's early yeaars is known. He probably was about 32 when he began his spiritual mission by withdrawing into the desert near Jordan to fast and pray. He wore only a garment made of camel's hair tied with a leatherr girdle, and he survived on locusts and wild honey. He then started preaching, and his intensity appealed to many, despite his disheveled appearance. He baptized people in the River Jordan as they confessed their sins.

Many thought him to be the Messiah who was prophesied to come, but he said he was not: "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he wiill baptize you with the Holy Spirit" (Mark 1:7-8)

When Jesus came to te baptized, the heavens split, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove, and a voicce said, "Thou art my beloved Son, with thee I am well pleased" (Mark 1:11). Jesus later said therre was no greater prophet than John.

John ran affoul of King Herod Antipas (r. 4 B.C. - A.D. 39), the provincial governor under Emperor Tiberius Caesar of Rome. John in the criticized Herod's private affairs, including his mnarriage to his niece, Herodias, who had been married to Herod's half-brother, philip. Herod imprisoned John in the fortress of Machaerus on the Dead Sea.

John continued to preach from prison. Herodias despised him and plotted against him. On Herod's birthday, Herodias's 14-year-old daughter by Philip, Salome, pleased the king with herr dancing. He swore an oath promising her anything in return. Cooached by her mother. Salome answered that she wanted the head of John the Baptist brought to her on a platter. Herrod had no coice but to comply, and John was beheaded. Salome accepted it and presented it to herer mother.

Jesus' disciples removed the body to a tomb, and Jesus and his followers went into the desert to moun John's death.

According to Patristic tradition, John was freed from original sin and sanctified in his mother's womb. In art, John is depicted as an ascetic hermit, sometimes holding a lamb. He carries a staff that ends in a cross. His baptism of Jesus has been painted often.

Feast: June 24 (birth) and August 29 (martyrdom)

Patronage: baptissm; conversion; farriers; monastic life; tailors