This was happening around A.D. 30. Judea, chafing under Roman rule, was awaiting a Messiah who would finally end the people’s governance under foreign, pagan rule.

The Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is June 24, and the Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist is Aug. 29, so it’s an excellent time to catch up on him. Here are 11 ...

3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet ...

Matthew 3:1 tells that John was preaching in the “wilderness of Judea,” while Mark explains “all of the land of Judea and those from Jerusalem” went out to be baptized by him. These ...