Martyrdom of John the Baptist Obligatory Memorial
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 10, 11-12, 13
Alleluia: Matthew 5: 10
Gospel: Mark 6: 17-29
First Reading: Second Thessalonians 2: 1-3a, 14-17
1 And we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of our gathering together unto him:
2 That you be not easily moved from your sense, nor be terrified, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by epistle, as sent from us, as if the day of the Lord were at hand.
3a Let no man deceive you by any means.
14 Whereunto also he hath called you by our gospel, unto the purchasing of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast; and hold the traditions which you have learned, whether by word, or by our epistle.
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God and our Father, who hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope in grace,
17 Exhort your hearts, and confirm you in every good work and word.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 10, 11-12, 13
R. (13b) The Lord comes to judge the earth.
10 Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned. For he hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved: he will judge the people with justice.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved, and the fulness thereof:
12 The fields and all things that are in them shall be joyful. Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
13 Before the face of the Lord, because he cometh: because he cometh to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with his truth.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Alleluia: Matthew 5: 10
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 6: 17-29
17 For Herod himself had sent and apprehended John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias the wife of Philip his brother, because he had married her.
18 For John said to Herod: It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.
19 Now Herodias laid snares for him: and was desirous to put him to death, and could not.
20 For Herod feared John, knowing him to be a just and holy man: and kept him, and when he heard him, did many things: and he heard him willingly.
21 And when a convenient day was come, Herod made a supper for his birthday, for the princes, and tribunes, and chief men of Galilee.
22 And when the daughter of the same Herodias had come in, and had danced, and pleased Herod, and them that were at table with him, the king said to the damsel: Ask of me what thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
23 And he swore to her: Whatsoever thou shalt ask I will give thee, though it be the half of my kingdom.
24 Who when she was gone out, said to her mother, What shall I ask? But she said: The head of John the Baptist.
25 And when she was come in immediately with haste to the king, she asked, saying: I will that forthwith thou give me in a dish, the head of John the Baptist.
26 And the king was struck sad. Yet because of his oath, and because of them that were with him at table, he would not displease her:
27 But sending an executioner, he commanded that his head should be brought in a dish.
28 And he beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a dish: and gave it to the damsel, and the damsel gave it to her mother.
29 Which his disciples hearing came, and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Reflection
John the Baptist stands before us as a witness to truth that cannot be purchased by comfort, approval, or fear. He tells Herod plainly that his marriage is unlawful, even though Herod is powerful enough to imprison him. Herod recognizes John’s holiness and listens to him, yet he allows the pressure of the moment, his promise, and the people around him to overcome what he knows is right. John’s faithfulness exposes how easily conscience can be weakened when truth becomes less important than appearances.
Saint Paul urges believers to stand firm and hold fast to what they have received, strengthened by God’s everlasting consolation and good hope. The psalm gives this steadfastness its foundation: the Lord comes to judge the earth with justice and truth. Human judgments may be distorted, and the faithful may suffer for righteousness, but their lives are held within God’s final judgment. Christian courage is therefore not harshness or self-confidence. It is the quiet strength to remain faithful when obedience costs something, trusting that God sees the truth and will not abandon those who persevere. In ordinary choices, we can practice this fidelity by refusing convenient compromises and letting God’s word guide our decisions.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, strengthen my heart to remain faithful to your truth when fear, pressure, or the desire for approval tempts me to compromise. Give me the courage of John the Baptist, joined to humility and charity, so that I may speak and live rightly without seeking conflict or praise. When I suffer because of what is good, remind me that your justice is certain and your consolation does not fail. Keep me firmly rooted in the faith handed down to your Church, and confirm me in every good work and word. May my conscience rest in your truth and hope in your coming. Amen.
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