The Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist - Memorial Book of Jeremiah 1:17-19. The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: “You, prepare yourself; stand up and tell them all that I command you. Do not be terrified on account of them, or I will terrify you before them; For I am the one who today makes you a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of bronze, against the whole land: against Judah’s kings and princes, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you—oracle of the LORD. Psalms 71(70):1-2.3-4a.5-6ab.15ab.17. In you, LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue and deliver me; incline your ear to me, and save me. Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked. For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth. On you I depend from birth; from my mothers womb you are my strength. My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation. O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 6:17-29. Herod was the one who had John 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 brothers 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. Herodiass 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 kings 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. Commentary of the day Saint Bede the Venerable (c.673-735), monk, Doctor of the Church Hymn for the Martyrdom of John the Baptist ; PL 94, 630 Forerunner in death as in life The great forerunner of grace and messenger of truth, John the Baptist, Christ’s shining torch, Now becomes the preacher of eternal Light. The prophetic witness that he never ceased to show In his message, life, and all his mighty works, Is signed today by the blood of his martyrdom. He always went before his Lord: In birth he declared his coming to the world; By his baptism of sinners in the Jordan He foretold the one by whom baptism would be instituted; And by shedding his blood for him with love, John the Baptist also experienced beforehand The death of Christ our Savior, who gave life to the world. A cruel tyrant may well conceal him in a prison, bound with irons, Yet in Christ such chains could never bind a man Whose heart in freedom opens to the Kingdom. How could the darkness and torments of a dungeon dim Gain mastery over one who sees Christ’s glory And receives from him the Holy Spirit’s gifts? Willingly he gives his head to the executioner’s sword; How could he lose his head Whose Head is Christ? Happy is he who wins today his forerunner’s title By his departure from this world of ours. Today his death proclaims what he testified while living: Christ who comes and now is here. Could hell hold fast the messenger who escapes it? The just, the prophets and the martyrs are full of joy As they go with him to meet the Savior. All surround John with their praises and their love And, with him, beg Christ to come at last to those who are his own O great forerunner of the Redeemer, he delays no longer Who sets you free from death for evermore. Led by your Lord, Enter into glory with the saints!
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 18:21:43 +0000
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