Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist
Today we remember the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. St. John the Baptist had suffered the fate of so many Old Testament prophets that came before him: rejection and martyrdom.
St. John the Baptist was actually sent by God so that he could prepare the people for the Messiah. St. John’s vocation was one of selfless giving. The only power that he had claimed was the Spirit of Yahweh. “I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11).
Scripture tells us that many different people had followed St. John and they looked to him for hope, perhaps it was because they were in anticipation of some great messianic power. St. John was someone that never allowed himself the false honor of receiving these people for his own glory. St. John had understood his calling was one of preparation. When the time had come, he was able to lead his disciples to Jesus: “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.’ The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus” (John 1:35-37).
During St. John the Baptist’s life he had pointed the way to Christ for many people. St. John’s life and death were a true giving over of self for God and many other people. St. John’s simple style of life was one of complete detachment from many different earthly possessions. St. John’s heart was focused completely on God and the call that he had heard from the Spirit of God was truly speaking to his heart. The confidence of God’s grace that St. John had, had helped him to gain the courage to speak words of condemnation, repentance, and salvation.
Prayer to St. John the Baptist:
St. John intercede that we may be able to gain the courage, faith and trust that we need in order to guide more people to Christ by speaking the truth and serving others before ourselves.
Amen
St. John pray for us
St. Joseph pray for us
May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.
Works cited
Information (read from, not taken):
Franciscan media. “Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist. ”Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist | Franciscan Media. Accessed August 29, 2021.
Images:
Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist. August 29, 2021. Martyrdom of John the Baptist - Google Search.