John is an example of selfless and joyful service.  He felt no sadness when the focus shifted from himself to Jesus: he likened Jesus to the bridegroom at a wedding and himself to the bridegroom’s friend – best man.  “I am not the Messiah”, he said, “but I have been sent ahead of him”.  “He who has the bride is the bridegroom.  The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice.  For this reason my joy has been fulfilled.  He must increase, but I must decrease” (NRSV, John 3:28-30).

John the Baptist was also a man of great courage and integrity, fearlessly telling Herod that it was unlawful for him to have married Herodias, his brother’s wife.  It cost John his life: he was arrested and imprisoned and eventually beheaded as a result of an intervention by the vengeful Herodias (Mark 6:17-29).

We celebrate the Birth of St John the Baptist on June 24th; the liturgical colour is white.  The Beheading of St John the Baptist is commemorated on August 29th; the liturgical colour is red for a martyr.

Reference

1. Farmer, D. (2011) Oxford Dictionary of Saints, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Short talks

Short talks entitled The preaching of St John the Baptist: repentance and Little things are available on the Holy Faith website.