CCC 719

John the Baptist is "more than a prophet."⁹⁴ Lk 7:26. In him, the Holy Spirit concludes his speaking through the prophets. John completes the cycle of prophets begun by Elijah.⁹⁵ Cf. Mt 11:13-14. He proclaims the imminence of the consolation of Israel; he is the "voice" of the Consoler who is coming.⁹⁶ Jn 1:23; cf. Isa 40:1-3. As the Spirit of truth will also do, John "came to bear witness to the light."⁹⁷ Jn 1:7; cf. Jn 15:26; 5:35. In John's sight, the Spirit thus brings to completion the careful search of the prophets and fulfills the longing of the angels.⁹⁸ Cf. 1 Pet 1:10-12. "He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. and I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.... Behold, the Lamb of God."⁹⁹ Jn 1:33-36.