Homily for the Memorial of St. John of the Cross

In today's Gospel, Jesus praises John the Baptist and his prophetic significance in fulfilling the Jewish Scriptures. Jesus speaks highly of John, stating that there has been none greater than him among those born of women.

John is the Elijah figure who was believed to precede the coming of the Messiah. However, Jesus goes on to say that even the least significant person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist. The reason for this is that John never heard and responded to Jesus' preaching of the kingdom of God, whereas we have access to it through the Gospels and the Holy Spirit.

This should make us feel grateful for the gift of the Gospel and our faith response to it. Advent is a time for us to reflect on and grow in our appreciation of this gift and the quality of our response to it.