29 August, 2023 | Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist

 Gospel Mk 6: 17-29

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Gospel Text:

17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's[a] head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Reflections:

John the Baptist spoke the word of God to princes and kings, to priests and people alike, without any fear of the consequences. He stood for God's righteousness and spoke out fearlessly. Ultimately, he paid the price for his faithfulness to God - it cost him his life. John's life and execution witnessed to and foreshadowed the life and death of Jesus. John the Baptist  decreased his importance to glorify Jesus, just as Jesus glorified His Father in heaven. We Christians face challenges similar to the ones that John faced. Today we pray for the strength and courage to do what we believe is right, even if others may not approve of our choice or our action.  

Activity: 

Carefront someone who does wrong habitually.