He was born through the intercession of God to Zachariah and Elizabeth who were otherwise too old to bear children. The Archangel Gabriel visited them to foretell of their son.

He began his ministry around the year 30 and attracted large crowds. His prophetic and blessed life and powerful witness to the love of God and to the Truth creates a bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament, from the heart of the prophets to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

• Per the visions of Saint Anne Catherine Emmerich:

Jesus loved him as a child and spoke of God protecting him from Herod’s massacre of the children. John was called “The voice in the wilderness” by Jesus and on occasion would journey with Him before his ministry.

The Baptist’s followers proclaimed with enthusiasm about his austere life and declared that they had never before heard such an interpreter of the law and the Prophets. He had been educated by the Essenians in the wilderness and would suffer no irregularity around him. He was as rigorous as he was wise.

The Sanhedrin of Jerusalem dispatched letters, telling the Jewish schools and rabbis to be on guard against a certain Man, of whom John the Baptist preached, who would soon present Himself for baptism.

Jesus spoke of John’s baptism of Him, and just prior to the event, He went to the synagogue and asked for the writings of one of the Prophets. He taught of baptism and that the time of the Messiah’s appearance was at hand. He told them that there would be one who will point Him out (the Baptist) but that they would not recognize the Messiah. They sought a conqueror of illustrious personage surrounded by magnificence and eminently learned companions, not a destitute with companions of unlettered peasants and laborers, and followers made up of beggars, cripples, lepers, and sinners.

John wore a long, white garment during the baptismal ceremony, using a shell to scoop and pour water.

The following morning, Jesus had passed by John’s tent and just a couple of minutes later, John was seized by the Spirit and, pointing to Jesus, cried out: “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!”

John’s disciples ran after Jesus but came back later complaining that Jesus already had many followers and was already beginning to baptize. They asked John what would become of it and he responded that he would soon resign his place to Jesus, that he was merely a servant and precursor.

Herod had arrested the Baptist, at his place of baptism, because of his preaching of the coming Messiah. Herod hoped to intimidate him but the immense crowd that had gathered for John caused Herod to release him. Upon his return, John continued to preach.

Herod and his wife, along with soldiers, came to John’s place riding on chariots. John was preaching again, and they personally came because they wanted to hear if he preached against them. John rebuked Herod for his adultery and told his followers to become disciples of Jesus as he was to soon be arrested. At night, after the followers dispersed, John was taken quietly by the soldiers to avoid a tumult.

They traveled through the night where he stayed in the prison tower of Hesebon and later Machaerus. Herod and his wife summoned him to the grand hall and inquired about Jesus. John only referred to himself as a precursor, the preparer of His ways, and an insignificant servant. He once again rebuked Herod and his evil ways and was led away. Herod’s wife was enraged.

On several occasions, John sent messengers to Jesus, urging Him to go to Jerusalem and openly announce that he was the Messiah. Jesus responded in kind telling them to report to him what they have heard and seen and the miracles performed.

Herod held a succession of parties with many guests. Gladiators and dancers were on display, and he had thought to release John on his birthday. Salome, Herod’s stepdaughter, practiced her dance moves and rhythm before metallic mirrors, trained by her mother. She wore a long transparent robe with hair interwoven with pearls and precious stones and for a long time Herod had looked upon her with lust.

Her and companions were called to dance and their whole performance gave expression to shameful passions with the devil guiding her. She approached Herod on his throne, and he asked her what he could give her, even offering up half his kingdom. She left, conferred with her mother and returned asking for the head of the Baptist on a dish. Herod was shocked but Salome reminded him of the oath. He was saddened as he commanded the executioner.

John was approached while in prayer in his cell, knowing why they came. After beheading, the executioner held John’s head by the hair and insulted it. Salome accepted it joyfully but with a hidden horror. Her mother took the platter and gathered skewers with which she pierced the tongue, cheeks, and eyes. She then hurled and kicked his head into a kitchen pit used for refuse. They returned to the party like nothing happened. The guards who knew of John’s death were jailed so they could not tell others. His body was left in the cell for a long time in an effort to conceal his death.

Saint John the Baptist is honored with 2 feast days. His birthday is marked with a special feast day on June 24. The 2nd feast is in honor of his martyrdom, August 29. Due to his special place in salvation history, John the Baptist is one of only three birthdays marked on the Church’s calendar.

For God’s Glory.