John the Baptist by speaking truth to power and

calling people to a righteous life, stayed completely focused on his mission

to prepare the people's hearts for the arrival of Jesus.

He famously said that Jesus must become greater while he himself must become less.

 

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Brothers and sisters,

Look and see whom God has called. Few among you can be said to be cultured or wealthy,

and few belong to noble families. Yet God has chosen what the world considers foolish,

to shame the wise; he has chosen what the world considers weak, to shame the strong.

God has chosen common and unimportant people, making use of what is nothing,

to nullify the things that are, so that no mortal may boast before God.

But, by God's grace, you are in Christ Jesus, who has become our wisdom from God,

and who makes us just and holy and free. Scripture says: Let the one who boasts boast of the Lord.

 

Ps 33:12-13, 18-19, 20-21

 Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Mark 6:17-29

For this is what had happened: Herod had ordered John to be arrested;

and had had him bound and put in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip.

Herod had married her; and John had told him, "It is not right for you to live with your brother's wife."

So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him; but she could not,

because Herod respected John. He knew John to be an upright and holy man,

and kept him safe. And he liked listening to him; although he became very disturbed whenever he heard him.

 

Herodias had her chance on Herod's birthday, when he gave a dinner for all the senior government officials,

military chiefs, and the leaders of Galilee. On that occasion, the daughter of Herodias came in and danced;

and she delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want and I will give it to you."

And he went so far as to say with many oaths, "I will give you anything you ask, even half my kingdom."

She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" The mother replied, "The head of John the Baptist."

The girl hurried to the king and made her request, "I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist, here and now, on a dish."

 

The king was very displeased, but he would not refuse in front of his guests because of his oaths.

So he sent one of the bodyguards, with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded John in prison;

then he brought the head on a dish and gave it to the girl. And the girl gave it to her mother.

When John's disciples heard of this, they came and took his body and buried it.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

Fearlessly standing up for what was right.

Mark recounts the powerful and sobering story of John the Baptist's martyrdom,

a testament to his unwavering courage in speaking the truth and his ultimate sacrifice for God's righteousness.

John boldly confronted Herod about his unlawful marriage, fearlessly standing up for what was right,

even at significant personal cost. His prophetic voice, fueled by deep devotion to God,

could not be silenced, even by imprisonment or threats.

 

The feast of John the Baptist's Passion invites us to reflect on the cost of discipleship.

John's life reminds us that following Christ requires standing firm in truth and righteousness,

even in the face of opposition or suffering.

His steadfastness urges us to examine our commitment to living out the Gospel.

 

Yet, amidst the tragedy, John's story is one of triumph,

His faithfulness bore witness to the coming of Christ,

inspiring generations to proclaim God's kingdom boldly.

May his example encourage us to live with unwavering conviction,

trusting that no sacrifice made for Christ is ever in vain.