Synaxis of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John.
Post-feast of Theophany.
Acts 19:1-8; John 1:29-34.
Read Acts 19:1-8
Today, as we continue celebrating the Theophany of our Lord, we also honour the Synaxis of the Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist. In Acts 19:1-8, St. Paul encounters a group of believers who had received only John’s baptism of repentance and knew nothing of the Holy Spirit. Their encounter with Paul marks a pivotal moment: they are baptized into Christ and receive the Holy Spirit.
The grace of the Holy Spirit, which we receive at baptism and sealed in chrismation, is transformative. Consider John the Baptist himself: as Luke tells us, he was filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. This same Spirit, which filled Elizabeth when she greeted the Virgin Mary. While they had received this gift of the Holy Spirit by a special grace, we receive the Holy Spirit in the mystery of chrismation. This gift empowers us, not only for our personal sanctification but also for mission.
John was sent to prepare the way of the Lord, and by virtue of our baptism, chrismation, and participation in the Eucharist, we too are sent out as missionary disciples. Christ has commissioned each of us to bring the Gospel into the world—not necessarily through grand gestures, but in the everyday moments of our lives. At work, in school, and within our families, we are called to prepare the way for others to encounter Christ.
Brothers and sisters, let us take courage from the example of St. John the Baptist and from the gift of the Holy Spirit within us. Let us strive, with great love, to bring Christ to those who do not yet know Him and to those who may have strayed, trusting always that the Spirit will guide and strengthen us in this His mission where we are His hands and feet.