The crucial role of St. John the Baptist

June 24 is the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and the gospel of the day talks about his circumcision (cfr. Lk 1,57-66.80) which, at that time, meant his entry into the covenant between God and the people of Israel.

- Fr. Roy Cimagala

He plays the very significant role of being the link between the previous covenants, mainly that of the Mosaic law, and the new covenant that is mediated by the most perfect mediator who is Christ, since he is both God and man. The previous covenants were mediated by not so perfect agents, since they were only men, albeit holy men, but not yet God themselves. St. John the Baptist serves as the bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

That is why St. John the Baptist is often called the forerunner or precursor of Christ. He prepared the way to Christ's perfect redemptive mission by preaching repentance and baptizing the people, including Christ himself.