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‘Born of women, one greater than John the Baptist has never been seen’ (Matthew 11, 11)
Jesus spoke to the crowds: ‘I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is. Since John the Baptist came, up to this present time, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and the violent are taking it by storm. Because it was towards John that all the prophecies of the prophets and of the Law were leading; and he, if you will believe me, is the Elijah who was to return. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen!’(Matthew 11, 11-15)
John the Baptist is the last of the prophets of the Old Testament, but also the first of the New. And by Jesus' own admission: there is no one greater than him among men. John is the first in greatness because he humbly recognised the immense dignity of Jesus, for which he had prepared the way for the penitent hearts of those who recognised themselves as sinners. John did not hesitate to risk losing his disciples in order for them to follow Jesus. Would you let your children go to Jesus if He called them to great tasks such as the priesthood or the religious life?
