Saint John the Baptist: Priest, Prophet, and Martyr

＂There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world (John 1:6-9).

This world into which St. John was born was dark on all sides, and yet John was not overcome by the darkness. St. John was instead a shining lamp which dispelled the darkness and began to reform a world that had been deformed by sin.

Saint John the Baptist: Priest, Prophet, and Martyr shows how, through Divine Providence, one man was uniquely destined to pave the way for the coming of Christ. In a world steeped in darkness, St. John emerged as a beacon of light, challenging the Pharisees and Sadducees and pointing those around him to ＂make straight the way of the Lord.＂

Unlike political or economic leaders, John sought no earthly power or wealth. Instead, he lived a life of simplicity and profound spiritual strength, guiding people to God through the desert, away from the corruption of the world. In a land dominated by Roman rule and religious tension, St. John’s unwavering faith and courage brought hope to a people yearning for salvation. Explore how this humble prophet became a spiritual epicenter, preparing the way for the Messiah and transforming a world in desperate need of redemption.

Originally from Pasadena, Fr. Sebastian Walshe is a Norbertine Canon of the Abbey of St. Michael in the Diocese of Orange, California, where he is a professor of philosophy for the seminary program. After completing his studies at Thomas Aquinas College in California, he continued studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., receiving a license in Philosophy. Later, he attended the Pontifical University of St. Thomas at Rome (the Angelicum) where he received a Masters in Sacred Theology and a Doctorate in Philosophy. His thesis was entitled: ＂The Primacy of the Common Good as the Root of Personal Dignity in the Doctrine of St. Thomas Aquinas.＂ From 2003-2005, Fr. Sebastian was also a visiting professor in the Philosophy Department at the Angelicum. The Norbertines conduct their digital ministry through the Abbot’s Circle, a virtual monastery experience of St. Michael’s Abbey. Learn more at www.abbotscircle.com.