Jesus’ cousin, who lived in the desert and prepared the way for the Lord.
Before Jesus began His work, someone came to get the world ready. His name was John. He lived in the desert, wore clothes made from camel’s hair, and ate wild honey and locusts. People thought he was strange. But John didn’t mind. He had one job: prepare the way for the Lord.
John was Jesus’ cousin. Even before they were born, John leaped for joy in his mother’s belly when Mary came near with baby Jesus inside her. From the very beginning, John’s heart was full of joy for Jesus.
When John grew up, he began preaching by the River Jordan. “Turn back to God!” he would say. “Be kind. Be honest. Be ready.” He baptised people in the river. That’s why we call him John the Baptist.
Then one day, Jesus came to the river. He stepped into the water and asked John to baptise Him. John was surprised: “But You should baptise me!” Jesus smiled. “Let it be so — for now.” So John gently dipped Jesus into the water. And when He came up, the sky opened, the Holy Spirit came like a dove, and a voice from Heaven said: “This is My beloved Son. I am pleased with Him.”
From that moment on, Jesus began His ministry. And John stepped back. “He must grow greater,” John said, “and I must grow smaller.” John kept telling the truth even when it was hard. He was arrested and gave his life for God. Jesus said of him: “No one born of women is greater than John.”
Thought for the heart. Sometimes the greatest voices are the ones that lift others higher.
A child’s prayer. Dear Saint John the Baptist, thank you for showing us how to make room for Jesus. Help me to be brave and honest. Teach me to speak kindly and to share the light. Amen.
Journey with Mary, Path to Jesus 