Without a doubt we can learn much from the life and death of John the Baptizer. His life was one of penance and he called the people of Israel to repentance, thereby preparing the way for the coming of the Lord. John was not concerned for personal gain, but rather, he desired only that Jesus increase and that he decrease.

His great courage was especially evident in his confrontation with king Herod. The king had entered into an adulterous marriage with his brother’s wife and John publicly denounced him for his sin. Without regard for his own life he called Herrod to repentance (Mark 6:9). He was thrown into jail and was eventually executed in order to appease Herord’s wife. Before his death he sent his disciples to Jesus (Luke 7:19-20).

John, who declared the truth of God’s commandments before Herod was privileged to point to the incarnate Truth, Jesus Christ, and call the people to follow him. John’s death, which we recall today, points to Christ and his death on the cross. John died in the fidelity to God’s truth. Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, died to reconcile us to the Father and each other. May the prayers of John the baptizer be with us.

Amen.

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From the Synaxarion in the Maronite Prayer of the Faithful