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Pope Benedict XVI- Angelus |
Angelus
Message
On Birth of John the Baptist
"The First 'Witness' of Jesus"
H.H. Benedict XVI
June 24, 2007
www.zenit.org
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today, June 24, the liturgy invites us to celebrate the solemnity of
the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, whose life was totally
oriented toward Christ, as was the life of Christ's mother, Mary.
John the Baptist was the precursor, the "voice" sent to announce the
Incarnate Word. For this reason, to commemorate the birth of John
the Baptist in reality means to celebrate Christ, the fulfillment of
the promises of all the prophets, of whom John was the greatest,
called to "prepare the way" before the Messiah (cf. Matthew
11:9-10).
All the Gospels begin the narrative of Jesus' public life with the
account of the Jesus' baptism in the Jordan by John. St. Luke sets
John's appearance on the scene in a solemn historical frame. My book
"Jesus of Nazareth" also takes cues from Jesus' baptism in the
Jordan, an event that had enormous resonance at that time.
From Jerusalem and from every part of Judea people came to listen to
John the Baptist and be baptized by him in the river, confessing
their sins (cf. Mark 1:5). The fame of the baptizer grew to such an
extent that many asked whether he might be the Messiah. But John --
the Gospel writer emphasizes -- resolutely denied it: "I am not the
Christ" (John 1:20).
Nevertheless, he is still the first "witness" of Jesus, having
received instruction about him from heaven: "The man on whom you see
the Spirit descend and remain is he who will baptize in the Holy
Spirit" (John 1:33). This happened precisely when Jesus, having
received baptism, came out of the water: John saw the Spirit descend
on him like a dove.
It was then that he "knew" the full reality of Jesus of Nazareth and
began "to make it known to Israel" (John 1:31), naming him as Son of
God and redeemer of man: "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the
sin of the world" (John 1:29).
As an authentic prophet, John bore witness to the truth without
compromise. He denounced transgressions of God's commandments, even
when the protagonists were people in power. Thus, when he accused
Herod and Herodius of adultery, he paid for it with his life,
sealing with martyrdom his service to Christ, who is the truth in
person.
Let us call on his intercession together with that of Mary Most Holy
so that the Church of our time will know how to be ever faithful to
Christ and testify with courage to his truth and his love for all.
[After praying the Angelus, the Holy Father greeted pilgrims in six
languages. In Italian, he said:]
This Sunday, which proceeds the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, is
in Italy the Pope's Charity Day. My dear Italian faithful, I am
deeply grateful for the prayer and support by which you participate
in the evangelization and charitable work of the Successor of Peter
throughout the world.
[Translation by ZENIT]
[In English, he said:]
I offer a warm welcome to all the English-speaking pilgrims and
visitors gathered for this Angelus prayer. Today, as the Church
celebrates the Birth of Saint John the Baptist, let us ask for the
gift of true conversion and growth in holiness, so that our lives
will prepare a way for the Lord and hasten the coming of his
Kingdom. Upon all of you I invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace!
© Copyright 2007 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
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