Wednesday 29 August
Mark 6:17-29 • The Passion of St John the Baptist (Memorial)
John the Baptist was an itinerant prophet who lived and ministered in the Palestinian desert. He was the last of the Old Testament prophets and his mission was to be a forerunner, herald and servant of the Messiah. John’s virtue and humility speak to each and every generation. His outlook was simple: Jesus must increase; he must decrease.
Part of his legacy for us today is his courageous witness for his Master, for which he paid the price of death. His martyrdom proclaims a powerful word – because he was prepared to speak up for the truth of marriage, sexual fidelity and reverence for God he paid the ultimate price. The nature of his execution was brutal and his severed head was displayed to those who wanted him dead, his persecutors and mockers. John is a witness for the truth and shows us that those who kick against the goads of this world will pay a price.
Reflecting on the witness of John the Baptist, St Bede the Venerable said: ‘Such was the quality and strength of the man who accepted the end of this present life by shedding of his blood after a long imprisonment. He preached the freedom of heavenly peace, yet was thrown into irons by ungodly men; he was locked away in the darkness of prison, though he came bearing witness to the Light of life and deserved to be called a bright and shining lamp by the Light itself, which is Christ. John was baptized in his own blood, though he had been privileged to baptize the Redeemer of the world, to hear the voice of the Father above him, and to see the grace of the Holy Spirit descending upon him. But to endure temporal agonies for the sake of the truth was not a heavy burden for such men as John; rather it was easily borne and even desirable, for he knew eternal joy would be his reward.’
Not many of us will be called to pay the price for our faith as the Baptist did. However, we are called to stand up for what we believe in and often this means having to endure trial, tribulation and ridicule. In the midst of this we can turn to God, as the Baptist turned to God for strength, grace and consolation.
Lord Jesus, may we, like the Baptist, strive to profess and confess our faith in you, our Lord, God and King.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18 • Psalm 127(128):1-5
Proper of saints: Mark 6:17-29
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