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Matthew 11:13 "For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John".

 

St. John the Baptist is one of my favorite saints. He came through for me in a big way on something I was really praying for, and I was given a pretty amazing sign that it was granted through his intercession. So he has a very special place in my heart!

 

Jesus says John is the last of the prophets. John is the greatest prophet, the one who got the world ready for Jesus. And it happened so quickly! John started his ministry just a few years before Jesus began His. I wonder how John felt? He certainly knew the urgency of his mission and message, but did he feel excitement and peace as he realized Jesus was ready, that He had begun? I think he did, even as he suffered imprisonment and ultimately beheading. He knew the Kingdom of God had arrived on his watch. There was nothing to be fearful or anxious about, even in the face of death. God was moving in the world in the ultimate way. No more prophets or mystics, God incarnate was among us! It is so mind-blowingly amazing, I can't think that John thought of anything else.

 

It is wonderful to think of John the Baptist during Advent, as we prepare to celebrate Christ's coming. John leapt in his mother's womb when he first encountered Jesus. He had the joy of knowing that God had come to His people before anyone else except Jesus' parents, and he had the mission of getting everyone ready to meet Him. That's exactly what we should be doing during Advent, getting ready to meet Him, and John is ready and willing to help! St John the Baptist, pray for us.