THE PASSION OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST MONDAY AUGUST 29, 2022

Salome with the head of St John the Baptist

Berdanino Luini 1515-1525

MASS READINGS

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Mk 6:17-29

Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias’ own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

REFLECTION

“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

St John the Baptist is the only saint whose birth (June 24) and his death (August 29) are celebrated by the Church.

On behalf of Jesus, John the Baptist gave testimony to righteousness, fortitude, and bravery. He died because he told the truth. This was not acceptable in the King's court and with vengeance, anger, resentment and sinful lust, he was executed.

St John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus, leapt in his mother's womb when Mary came to visit. He was the precursor of Jesus and he pointed him out to his disciples. He was witness to the coming of the Messiah. He prepared for his preaching and baptizing by leading a very austere and harsh life.

“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” There was no fear in his message nor did he worry about imprisonment or torture. He knew the Truth and he spoke the truth.

We can expect hard times in our life. Not all the roads we take will be smooth and if it be God's will to suffer for His sake, may we be prepared for such. Be it speaking the truth and not backing down from fear or a mindset of being tolerant. We need to ask for the gift of fortitude and courage in times of adversity.

God Bless You.