John the Baptist lived in the desert and led an ascetical
life.
Crowds followed him wherever he went.
The Gospel of Luke reminds us:
"Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah.
John answered them
all, saying,
"I am
baptizing you with water,
but one mightier
than I is coming.
I am not worthy to
loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize
you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
(Luke 3: 15-16)
