Jesus once said, “Among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist.” Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC, shares some details of the life of this amazing saint, who is celebrated on June 24.

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120225.cfm In Proverbs 8, Scripture reveals a tender mystery: before the world began, the Eternal Son “was beside Him… playing before Him at all times.” Before creation, before the angels, Jesus rejoiced in the Father’s presence with the freedom of a child. Fr. Anthony reminds us that this childlike joy is not optional—it is essential to the spiritual life. “Unless you become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 18:3).

Fr. Jason Lewis reminds us on the Feast of the Guardian Angels that each one of us has been given a personal heavenly companion from the moment of our birth until death (cf. Catechism 336). Jesus Himself teaches: “Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 18:3). Why? Because children know their dependence. To be childlike before God is to recognize our total need for His grace.