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Gospel Reading for August 29, 2025 – Mark 6: 17-29
MARTYR
Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist
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.
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How very painful it was for the followers of St. John the Baptist to know that he died such a horrible death in the hands of an adulterer who kept a very deep grudge against him, wanting his head on a platter much more than half of the kingdom of Herod.
John was revered by many people. He did not deserve to die such a death. Later, the Jews would realize, what it meant to be a MARTYR. Jesus himself, who spent the last 3 years of his life healing the sick and handicapped was sentenced to die on a cross, which was a punishment for criminals (As a matter of fact, the one crucified on his right and left were thieves). He had to die for a crime he did not commit, and yet, he accepted it as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
To be a true Christian, we live our life not expecting rewards, entitlements, special treatment, etc.. We just live according to Christ’s teachings, and the rest we leave to God.
In times of trials Lord, give me the strength and courage to stand by you!
