Today is the Feast Day of John the Baptist
The Beheading of John the Baptist: Choosing Truth No Matter the Cost
Today, August 29th, marks the Feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist. This solemnity commemorates the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, who was executed by beheading for courageously speaking the truth.
John the Baptist was the prophet who boldly proclaimed the coming of the Messiah and baptized Jesus in the River Jordan. He was also known for fearlessly calling out sin and corruption, speaking truth to power. This honesty eventually cost him his life.
The Gospel story recounts how Herod, the ruler of Galilee, had imprisoned John for denouncing his adulterous and incestuous relationship with his brother's wife, Herodias. Fueled by anger and vengeance, Herodias eventually convinced Herod to execute the troublesome prophet who had publicly shamed them. During a celebratory banquet on Herod’s birthday, Herodias’s daughter Salome danced for the king. Smitten by her performance, Herod weakly promised to grant her any wish. At her mother’s urging, Salome requested John’s head on a platter. Herod reluctantly agreed, and John was beheaded in prison.
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus; and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist, he has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him.” For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison, for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; because John said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” And the king was sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body and buried it; and they went and told Jesus. -Matt 14:1-12 RSVC
John’s martyrdom reminds us that proclaiming the truth, especially to those in power, can have grave consequences. Yet, John’s example teaches us that speaking truth is always the right choice, no matter how dangerous or difficult. He refused to compromise his integrity and morality, even threat of imprisonment and death.
On this feast day, may we be inspired by St. John’s courageous witness. In a world where truth is often twisted or silenced, may we stand strong in upholding what is right and just. When faced with the temptation to remain quiet in the face of corruption, injustice, or sin, let us remember John’s brave devotion to truth-telling. Though it may not make life easier for us, speaking the truth with love is always the only real path to freedom, integrity and finding God.
St. John the Baptist, pray for us!
Today’s Mass Collect
O God, who willed that Saint John the Baptist should go ahead of your Son both in his birth and in his death, grant that, as he died a Martyr for truth and justice, we, too, may fight hard for the confession of what you teach.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.