SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST

Saint John the Baptist is a central prophetic figure in Christianity, known as the forerunner of Jesus Christ. He was the son of Zechariah, a Jewish priest, and Elizabeth, a relative of the Virgin Mary. His birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel and marked by signs of divine favor, as his parents had been childless and advanced in age.

John lived a life of asceticism in the desert, wearing camel’s hair and eating locusts and wild honey. He preached a message of repentance, calling people to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. He baptized people in the Jordan River, including Jesus Himself. At Jesus’ baptism, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, with the voice of God declaring, “This is my beloved Son.” John thus bore public witness to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

John’s ministry was powerful and fearless. He condemned hypocrisy and sin, calling even religious and political leaders to account. This boldness led to his imprisonment and ultimately his death.

The story of John the Baptist’s death is told in the Gospels, most fully in Matthew 14:1–12 and Mark 6:14–29. John had publicly rebuked Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, for unlawfully marrying Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. Herodias held a deep grudge against John and wanted him dead. Though Herod feared John and recognized him as a righteous man, he had him arrested to silence the controversy.

At Herod’s birthday feast, Herodias’s daughter (traditionally named Salome) danced for the guests, pleasing Herod so much that he promised to give her anything she desired. Prompted by her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Though distressed, Herod kept his promise and had John beheaded in prison. His disciples came and took his body for burial.

John the Baptist is honored as the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets and the bridge to the New Covenant. Jesus said of him: “Among those born of women, there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). He is venerated as a martyr, not for denying the faith, but for defending the truth.

His feast day is celebrated on June 24 (his birth) and his Passion (death) is remembered on August 29. John remains a model of courage, humility, and unwavering commitment to God’s truth.

Saint John the Baptist is the patron saint of a wide range of causes, professions, and places, reflecting his powerful role in the Gospels as a prophet, forerunner of Christ, and martyr for truth. He is especially associated with themes of conversion, preparation, and courage.

Saint John the Baptist is the patron saint of:

• Baptism and Baptizers – Because he baptized Jesus and introduced the sacrament of baptism.
• Monastic life and hermits – Due to his ascetic life in the desert.
• Preachers and prophets – As a fearless herald of God’s Word.
• Conversion and spiritual renewal – For calling people to repentance and new life.
• Tailors and clothing makers – Possibly because of his mention of garments (camel’s hair) in the Gospel.
• Princes and political leaders – Because he advised rulers (like Herod) and spoke truth to power.
• Against epilepsy and seizures – In some traditions, he is invoked for healing.
• Against storms and hail – Especially in agricultural regions of Europe.

16”x20” acrylic on wood.  
Prayerfully made by Stephen Hotchkiss. 

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