disappearing into greatness
“I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals on His feet.” —Acts 13:25
The meaning of St. John the Baptizer’s life is like the meaning of the lives of Mary, the canonized saints, and ourselves. Their lives are related to the life and mission of Jesus. Therefore, everything about John points to Jesus. John was conceived in relation to Jesus’ conception (see Lk 1:36). John was filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb of Elizabeth (Lk 1:15) because Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in Mary (Lk 1:35). John’s birthday points to Jesus’ birthday. John was like Elijah (Lk 1:17) because Jesus is the Messiah for Whom Elijah was to prepare. John preached the baptism of repentance because Jesus, the Lamb of God (see Jn 1:29), offers us Baptism to take away sins and also to give us a new nature (see Mk 1:8). John had disciples so he could send them to Jesus (Jn 1:29, 36-37). John is the voice (Lk 3:4) because Jesus is the Word (Jn 1:1, 14).
John’s life was about decreasing to the point (see Jn 3:30) that he had nothing to say for himself and everything to say for Jesus. In losing his life, John found his life (Lk 9:24; Gal 2:20) and became one of the greatest people who has ever lived (see Lk 1:15). Be like John.
Prayer: Jesus, my Life! (see Jn 14:6)
Promise: “Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the Lord.” —Is 49:4
Praise: The Archangel Gabriel announced St. John “will be great in the eyes of the Lord...and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb” (see Lk 1:15). St. John the Baptizer, pray for us!
Reference: (Lose your life into Jesus by helping others through the Bible. For encouragement, order, listen to, or download our series on Biblical Counseling on CD 13A-1, CD 13A-3, CD 13B-1 or DVD 13A and DVD 13B on our website.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from August 1, through September 30, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 1, 2019"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.