August 29, 2019

Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist

Today let us celebrate with tender, loving devotion the feast of the martyrdom of the cousin of Our Lord – John the Baptist. John was the forerunner of Jesus. He was the one tasked by God to prepare the way of the Lord. The gospel says that he was a just and holy man. Because he had to speak against evil in high places, against the King, he was imprisoned, suffered, and finally beheaded. He died a horrible death on orders from the king

Like St. John the Baptist, let us prepare the way of the Lord. Let us clear, sweep, wash, denounce, evil starting from our hearts. Let us give all to do God’s work without fear for God is with us. At all times, let us look at Our Lord for courage and strength. He is very near us. He is in us. Let us act courageously, without negligence, nor hesitation; like a faithful servant, like a soldier in the army of our God, without guile, willingly, not reasoning, not justifying; with loving obedience, giving hands, heart, head to our God. Let us do what God requires of us and leave the rest in His Hands.

Take and receive, O Lord, my body, my mind, my will, my liberty. All things I have and own are yours. They belong to you. Let me use them to prepare a way for you.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 35, Issue 5

<< Thursday, August 29, 2019 >>

Beheading of St. John the Baptizer

1 Thessalonians 3:7-13
View Readings

Psalm 90:3-5, 12-14, 17

Matthew 24:42-51 or Mark 6:17-29
Similar Reflections

MISSIONS AND YOU

"We shall continue to flourish only if you stand firm in the Lord!" �1 Thessalonians 3:8

Do you ever look at the massive culture of death and feel that your prayers don't have much of an impact? Do you ever feel that your parish or diocese wouldn't miss you if you weren't there?

St. Paul would argue that your faithfulness has a tremendous impact on the Church. He told the newly converted Thessalonian Christians that his missionary team could only keep flourishing if they stayed firm in the faith! (1 Thes 3:8) Elsewhere Paul said: "Who is weak that I am not affected by it?" (2 Cor 11:29) Once Paul had an open door to preach the Gospel in Troas (2 Cor 2:12), but was in such a state of anxiety about whether or not the Christians in Corinth would stay firm in their faith that he was unable to minister there (2 Cor 2:13). When Paul learned from Titus that the Corinthians had indeed stayed firm in the faith, he was consoled and resumed his mission (2 Cor 7:6ff).

We are intimately interconnected in the Body of Christ. We are "living stones" (1 Pt 2:5) built into the Church. When we don't "stand firm" (1 Thes 3:8), others in the Church are impacted. We may seem to be a stone that no one notices, but if we aren't firm, we weaken other living stones. When we stand firm, we strengthen other Christians. This is why St. Therese of Lisieux is a patroness of missions even though she never left her convent. Therefore, "put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm" (Eph 6:11).

Prayer: Father, may I never give in to discouragement (2 Cor 4:1).

Promise: "Happy that servant whom his Master discovers at work on His return!" —Mt 24:46

Praise: St. John the Baptizer was martyred for speaking God's truth about adultery.