Biography
John was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary's cousin. His birth was miraculously announced by the Archangel Gabriel. He lived an ascetic life in the Judean desert, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, preparing the way for the Messiah. When Jesus came to him at the River Jordan, John recognized Him, saying, 'Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!' John famously baptized Jesus, witnessing the descent of the Holy Spirit. He fearlessly condemned King Herod Antipas for unlawfully marrying his brother's wife, Herodias. For this, Herod imprisoned him and, at the manipulation of Herodias's daughter Salome, had John beheaded.
Miracles & Signs
- ✦Leaping in his mother's womb at the Visitation of Mary
- ✦Witnessing the Holy Spirit descending as a dove at Christ's baptism
Wisdom & Quotes
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
“I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord.”