Behind the Scenes

This gospel passage featuring John the Baptist is clearly designed to evoke images of the mighty prophet Elijah during his earthly ministry. Where does John the Baptist baptize? The Jordan River. Where did the prophet Elijah ascend into heaven by chariot?
The Jordan River. What does 2 Kings tell us Elijah wears? A haircloth and leather belt. What does St. Mark list as John the Baptist’s wardrobe of choice? A haircloth and leather belt.

The allusions are not accidental and can easily be taken as literal (as many scholars attest to being valid). Animal skin pelts were normal and customarily worn by prophets during Old Testament times. Identifying John the Baptist in the same light as Elijah put the “modern” prophet and cousin of our Lord on par with historic heavyweights of Jewish history.

At the same time, this scene taking place at the Jordan River
would have evoked memories of not only Elijah but also Joshua and
the Israelites boldly marching through on their way to Jericho as well
as the healing of Naaman the Syrian from leprosy. These famous and historic stories of deliverance spoke of God’s faithfulness and provided the perfect backdrop for the heralding of God’s dawning salvation.

This excerpt from One Sunday at a Time: Preparing Your Heart for Weekly Mass (Cycle B) is reprinted with permission of Ave Maria Press.