johan (2)

John had already been long in the desert...

before the Holy Family’s return from Egypt. 

That he had retired there at so young an age was due principally to divine inspiration and partly to his own inclinations, for he was of a meditative nature and loved solitude. He was never in a school. The Holy Ghost Himself taught him in the desert. 

He was much talked of even from his childhood...

for the wonders attendant on his birth were known, and a light was often seen around the child. Herod soon laid snares for him, and even before the children’s massacre, Elizabeth was obliged to flee with him into the desert. He could walk and help himself at the time. 

He took refuge not far from the first cave of Magdalen... 

and Elizabeth visited him sometimes.

When in his sixth or seventh year... 

I saw him again led into the desert by his mother. 

When Elizabeth left the house with the boy, Zachary was not home. He loved John so much, and his grief at losing him was so great, that he was obliged to absent himself, in order not to witness his departure. He had however given him his blessing, for he was in the habit of blessing both mother and child whenever he left home. 

John wore a garment of skin. 

It passed from left to right over the shoulder and breast, was fastened under the right arm, and hung down behind. This was his only garment. His hair was brownish and darker than that of Jesus. He bore in his hand a white staff, which he had brought with him from home... 

and which he always kept in the desert.

~bron~