Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist
Lectionary: 430/634
Reading 1
Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters.
Not many of you were wise by human standards,
not many were powerful,
not many were of noble birth.
Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise,
and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong,
and God chose the lowly and despised of the world,
those who count for nothing,
to reduce to nothing those who are something,
so that no human being might boast before God.
It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus,
who became for us wisdom from God,
as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption,
so that, as it is written,
Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm
R. (12) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his
own.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down;
he sees all mankind.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield,
For in him our hearts rejoice;
in his holy name we trust.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Alleluia
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
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.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082920.cfm
Meditation: Herod
Feared John - a Righteous and Holy Man
Are you prepared to be a witness, and if necessary, a martyr for
Jesus Christ? John the Baptist bridged the Old and New Testaments. He is the
last of the Old Testament prophets who pointed the way to the Messiah. He is
the first of the New Testament witnesses and martyrs. Jesus equated the coming
of his kingdom with violence. From the days of John the Baptist until
now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and men of violence take it by
force (Matthew 11:12). John suffered violence for announcing
that the kingdom of God was near. He was thrown into prison and then beheaded.
Whose pleasure do you seek?
King Herod, the most powerful and wealthy man in Judea, had everything he
wanted, except a clear conscience and peace with God. Herod had respected and
feared John the Baptist as a great prophet and servant of God. John, however
did not fear to rebuke Herod for his adulterous relationship with his brother's
wife. John ended up in prison because of Herodias' jealousy. Herod, out of
impulse and a desire to please his family and friends, had John beheaded.
Why did Herod put John to death when he knew him to be a righteous and
holy man? Herod's power and influence were badly flawed. He was more bent
on pleasing others and making friends than on doing what was right and just in
the sight of God. He could take a strong stand on the wrong things when he knew
the right. Such a stand, however, was a sign of weakness and cowardice.
God is our help and our strength Where do you get the
strength of will and heart to choose what is right and to reject what is wrong
and sinful? The Lord Jesus gives strength and courage to those who humbly
acknowledge their dependence on him. The Lord knows our weaknesses better than
we do. He pardons and heals those who ask for his mercy and forgiveness. In
whatever situation we find ourselves the Lord is there to guide and direct us.
Do you seek the Lord's strength and wisdom? Ask with expectant faith and trust
in the Lord's help and grace.
The love of Christ is stronger than death
Since the martyrdom of John the Baptist to the present time, the kingdom of God
has suffered violence and persecution at the hands of violent people. The blood
of Christian martyrs throughout the ages bear witness to this fact. Their
testimony to the truth of the Gospel and their willingness to suffer and die
for their faith prove victory rather than defeat for the kingdom of God. What
fuels their faith and courage in the face of suffering, persecution, and death?
They know and believe with the "eyes of faith" that nothing in this
present world can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans
8:35-39).
Power to witness the love and mercy of Jesus Christ
What gives us the power, boldness, and courage to witness to Jesus Christ and
to the truth of the Gospel? The Holy Spirit fills us with courage, love, and
boldness to make Jesus Christ known and loved. We do not need to fear those who
oppose the Gospel, because the love of Jesus Christ is stronger than fear and
death itself. His love conquers all, even our fears and timidity in the face of
opposition and persecution. We can trust in his grace and help at all times.
Are you ready to make the Lord Jesus known and loved, and if necessary to
suffer for his sake and the sake of the Gospel? Ask the Lord Jesus to fill you
with the power and grace of the Holy Spirit.
Lord Jesus Christ, give me faith, boldness, and courage to stand
firm in the truth of the Gospel and to not waver in my testimony of your love
and mercy. Give me hope and joy in the promise of everlasting life with you in
your kingdom.
Daily
Quote from the Early Church Fathers: The Weakness of the Tyrant and the
Power of the Beheaded, by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)
"Note
well the weakness of the tyrant compared to the power of the one in prison.
Herod was not strong enough to silence his own tongue. Having opened it, he
opened up countless other mouths in its place and with its help. As for John,
he immediately inspired fear in Herod after his murder - for fear was
disturbing Herod's conscience to such an extent that he believed John had been
raised from the dead and was performing miracles (Mark 6:14-16)! In our
own day and through all future time, throughout all the world, John continues
to refute Herod, both through himself and through others. For each person repeatedly
reading this Gospel says: 'It is not lawful for you to have the wife of Philip
your brother' (Mark 6:18). And even apart from reading the Gospel, in
assemblies and meetings at home or in the market, in every place... even to the
very ends of the earth, you will hear this voice and see that righteous man
even now still crying out, resounding loudly, reproving the evil of the tyrant.
He will never be silenced nor the reproof at all weakened by the passing of
time." (excerpt from ON THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD 22.8-9)
https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2020&date=aug29a
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, MARK 6:17-29
Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist
(1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Psalm 33)
KEY VERSE: "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter" (v 25).
TO KNOW: Between the incidents of Jesus' sending forth the Twelve and their return, Mark inserted the story of the death of John the Baptist. Perhaps Mark wanted to indicate the fate that awaited the Apostles. Similarities can be seen between the death of John and Jesus. Both Herod and Pilate noted the holiness of the men whom they sentenced to death (Mk 6:20; Mt 27:24). Both John and Jesus were executed for speaking the truth, and the disciples of both men came for their bodies and laid them in a tomb (Mk 6:29; Mt 27:69-70). John suffered martyrdom for speaking against the illicit marriage of Herod and Herodias, the wife of his half-brother (Lv 18:16; 20:21). Out of spite, Herodias found the opportunity to have John put to death. During a banquet in honor of her husband's birthday, she told her daughter to ask for the head of the Baptist. Jesus said that from the days of John, the kingdom of God would suffer violence (Mt 11:11-12), which was fulfilled in Jesus' own passion and death.
TO LOVE: Am I willing to speak the truth no matter the difficulty of the circumstances?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, give me the courage to speak when others oppose me.
Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist
John the Baptist was a Jewish prophet who stood between the close of the Old
Testament and the opening of the New Testament. The Gospel of John said that
John was sent from God "to testify to the light, so that all might
believe through him" (John 1:7). John was a preacher in the time
of Pontius Pilate (CE 26-36), announcing the coming of the Messiah of God. Like
the prophet Elijah, John called the people to repentance through baptism to a
renewal of their covenant relationship with God. He was imprisoned and
eventually put to death by Herod Antipas (son of Herod the Great, the Jewish
king when Jesus was born). John denounced Herod's marriage to Herodias, the
wife of his still-living half-brother Philip. In order to marry Herodias, Herod
had divorced his first wife, the daughter of King Aretas of Damascus. The king
subsequently made war on Herod, a war which, the Jewish historian Josephus
tells us, was regarded by devout Jews as a punishment for Herod's murder of the
prophet John. Jesus said "among those born of women there has been none
greater than John the Baptist" (Mt 11:11).
http://www.togetherwithgodsword.com/commentaries-on-the-daily-gospel-of-the-mass.html
Saturday 29 August 2020
The Beheading of St John the Baptist
1 Corinthians 1:26-31. Happy the people the Lord has chosen to
be his own – Psalm 32(33):12-13, 18-21. Matthew 25:14-30.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
St Augustine is an edifying example in church history as one who
used all of his talents to the full, especially in his writing and service of
the church. His mother fulfilled her service by her perseverance in prayer for
her wayward son in his youth, and was rewarded by his conversion.
Like Monica, we also have the hope that God is in charge of all
if we but trust in his name. God has also graced us with the power not to hide
our treasure but to put whatever those talents are towards the advancement of
his kingdom.
Let us be as persevering in our hope as the examples of Monica
and Augustine for, as St Paul told the Corinthians, the power of God is
stronger than human power.
http://www.pray.com.au/gospel_reflection/saturday-29-august-2020/
Martyrdom of John the Baptist
Saint of the Day for August 29
Salome with the Head of John the Baptist | Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio
The Story of the Martyrdom of John the Baptist
The drunken oath of a king with a shallow sense of honor, a
seductive dance and the hateful heart of a queen combined to bring about the
martyrdom of John the Baptist. The greatest of prophets suffered the fate of so
many Old Testament prophets before him: rejection and martyrdom. The “voice
crying in the desert” did not hesitate to accuse the guilty, did not hesitate
to speak the truth. But why? What possesses a man that he would give up his
very life?
This great religious reformer was sent by God to prepare the
people for the Messiah. His vocation was one of selfless giving. The only power
that he claimed was the Spirit of Yahweh. “I am baptizing you with water, for
repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not
worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”
(Matthew 3:11).
Scripture tells us that many people followed John looking to him
for hope, perhaps in anticipation of some great messianic power. John never
allowed himself the false honor of receiving these people for his own glory. He
knew his calling was one of preparation. When the time came, he led his
disciples to Jesus: “The next day John was there again with two of his
disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.’
The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus” (John 1:35-37).
It is John the Baptist who has pointed the way to Christ. John’s
life and death were a giving over of self for God and other people. His simple
style of life was one of complete detachment from earthly possessions. His
heart was centered on God and the call that he heard from the Spirit of God
speaking to his heart. Confident of God’s grace, he had the courage to speak
words of condemnation, repentance, and salvation.
Reflection
Each of us has a calling to which we must listen. No one will
ever repeat the mission of John, and yet all of us are called to that very
mission. It is the role of the Christian to witness to Jesus. Whatever our
position in this world, we are called to be disciples of Christ. By our words
and deeds, others should realize that we live in the joy of knowing that Jesus
is Lord. We do not have to depend upon our own limited resources, but can draw
strength from the vastness of Christ’s saving grace.
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/martyrdom-of-john-the-baptist/
Lectio Divina: The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist
Lectio Divina
Saturday, August 29, 2020
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
Father,
help us to seek the values
that will bring us enduring joy in this changing world.
In our desire for what You promise
make us one in mind and heart.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading - Mark 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.
3) Reflection
• Today we commemorate the martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist.
The Gospel gives a description of how John the Baptist was killed, without due
process, during a banquet, a victim of the corruption and arrogance of Herod
and his court.
• Mark 6:17-20. The cause of the imprisonment and the beheading of John. Herod
was an employee of the Roman Empire, who ruled in Palestine beginning in the
year 63 BC. Caesar was the Emperor of Rome. He insisted above all in an
efficient administration which would provide revenue for the Empire and for
him. Herod’s concern was his own advancement and his security. This is
why he suppressed any type of corruption. He liked to be called the benefactor
of the people, but in reality he was a tyrant (cf. Lk 22:25). Flavius Josephus,
a writer of that time, claims that the reason for the imprisonment of John the
Baptist was the fear that Herod had of a popular uprising or revolt. John
the Baptist’s denunciation of the depraved morality of Herod (Mk 6:18) was “the
straw that broke the camel’s back,” and John was imprisoned.
• Mark 6:21-29: The plot of the murderer. The anniversary and banquet of the
feast, with dancing and orgy, were the occasion for the beheading of John. It
was an environment in which the powerful of the kingdom met together and in
which alliances were formed. “The great of the court,” two officials and
two important people from Galilee, participated in the feast. This was the
environment in which the beheading of John the Baptist was decided. John, the
prophet, was a living denunciation of that corrupt system, and this is why he
was eliminated under the pretext of a personal obligation. All this reveals the
moral weakness of Herod. So much power had accumulated in the hands of one man
who had no self-control. In the enthusiasm of the feast, of the celebration and
of wine, Herod makes a promise by oath to a young girl, a dancer. Superstitious
as he was, he thought that he had to keep the promise. For Herod, the lives of
his subjects were worthless. Mark gives an account of how the beheading
happened and leaves the communities the task of drawing the conclusion.
• Between the lines, the Gospel today gives much information on the time in
which Jesus lived and on the way in which power was exercised by the powerful
of that time. Galilee, the land of Jesus, was governed by Herod Antipas, the
son of King Herod, the Great, from the year 4 BC until the year 39 AD - 43
years! During the whole time of Jesus’ life on earth there was no change
of government in Galilee! Herod was absolute lord of everything and did not
render an account to anyone. He did as he pleased. In him there was arrogance,
lack of ethics, absolute power, without any control on the part of the people!
• Herod constructed a new capital, called Tiberiades. Seffori, the ancient
capital, was destroyed by the Romans in retaliation for a popular revolt. This
happened when Jesus was about seven years old. Tiberiades, the new capital, was
inaugurated thirteen years later, when Jesus was approximately 20 years old. The
capital was given that name in order to please Tiberius, the Emperor of Rome.
Tiberiades was a strange place in Galilee. That was the place where the king,
“the great of the court”, the officials, the important people of Galilee lived
(Mk 6:21). The landowners, the soldiers, the policemen lived there and also the
judges, who were often insensitive and indifferent (Lk 18:1-4). The taxes and
tributes and the products of the people were channeled there. It was there that
Herod held his orgies of death (Mk 6:21-29). The Gospel does not say that Jesus
entered the city.
During the 43 years of the government of Herod, a class of officials, faithful
to the plans of the king, was created: the scribes, the merchants, the
landowners, the tax collectors on the market, the tax collectors or publicans,
the militia, policemen, judges, promoters, local heads. The majority of these
people lived in the capital and enjoyed the privileges which Herod offered, for
example, exemption from taxes. Others lived in the villages. In every village
or city there was a group of people who supported the government. Several
scribes and Pharisees were bound to the system and to the politics of the
government. In the Gospels, the Pharisees appear together with the Herodians
(Mk 3:6; 8:15; 12:13), and this shows the existing alliance between the
religious and the civil powers. The life of the people in the villages of
Galilee was very controlled, both by the government and by religion. It took
much courage to begin something new, as John and Jesus did! It was the same
thing as attracting to oneself the anger of the privileged ones, both
those of the religious power as those of the civil power, both at local and
state levels.
4) Personal questions
• Do you know any people who died as victims of corruption and
the dominion of the powerful? And here, among us, in our community and in the
Church, are there some victims of authoritarianism or of the excess of power?
Give an example.
• Superstition, corruption, cowardice marked the exercise of Herod’s power.
Compare this with the exercise of religious and civil power today, in the
various levels both of society and of the Church.
5) Concluding Prayer
In You, Yahweh, I take refuge,
I shall never be put to shame.
In Your saving justice rescue me,
deliver me, listen to me and save me. (Ps 71:1-2)
https://ocarm.org/en/content/lectio/lectio-divina-martyrdom-st-john-baptist
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