Today, the Church commemorates the Passion of Saint John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ who fearlessly proclaimed the truth and prepared the way for the Lord. His martyrdom reminds us of the cost of discipleship and the call to bear witness to Christ with courage.
Prayer of the Day
Prayer to Imitate the Courage of Saint John the Baptist
Heavenly Father,
You called Saint John the Baptist to prepare the way for Your Son and to testify to the truth even to the point of death. Grant me the courage to live my faith boldly, to speak the truth with love, and to remain faithful to You no matter the trials I face. May I, like John, decrease so that Christ may increase in my life.Through the intercession of Saint John the Baptist, strengthen my faith and help me to follow Christ with courage and humility.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen
Mass Readings of the Day
- First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8 — God calls us to holiness, not impurity.
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97:1, 2b, 5-6, 10, 11-12 — “Rejoice in the Lord, you just!”
- Gospel: Mark 6:17–29 — The beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
Saint of the Day: The Passion of Saint John the Baptist
Saint John the Baptist was the last and greatest prophet of the Old Covenant, chosen to prepare the people for the coming of Christ. He baptized Jesus in the Jordan and proclaimed Him as the “Lamb of God.” John’s fearless preaching against sin led to his imprisonment and martyrdom by beheading at the order of King Herod.
5 Interesting Facts about Saint John the Baptist
- He leapt with joy in his mother’s womb when Mary visited Elizabeth, recognizing the presence of Jesus.
- He lived an austere life in the desert, clothed in camel’s hair and eating locusts and wild honey.
- He baptized thousands, urging them to repentance and preparing them for Christ.
- Jesus called him the “greatest among those born of women” (Matthew 11:11).
- His martyrdom came because he denounced Herod’s unlawful marriage, showing his unwavering commitment to truth
