[31] "If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony cannot be verified. [32] But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. [33] You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. [34] I do not accept testimony from a human being, but I say this so that you may be saved. [35] He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light.
(CCC 523) St. John the Baptist is the Lord's immediate precursor or forerunner, sent to prepare his way (cf. Acts 13:24; Mt 3:3). "Prophet of the Most High", John surpasses all the prophets, of whom he is the last (Lk 1:76; cf. 7:26; Mt 11:13). He inaugurates the Gospel, already from his mother's womb welcomes the coming of Christ, and rejoices in being "the friend of the bridegroom", whom he points out as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (Jn 1:29; cf. Acts 1:22; Lk 1:41; 16:16; Jn 3:29). Going before Jesus "in the spirit and power of Elijah", John bears witness to Christ in his preaching, by his Baptism of conversion, and through his martyrdom (Lk 1:17; cf. Mk 6:17-29).
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