John the Baptist is honored as the final prophet of the Old Covenant and the herald of Christ, “the voice crying in the wilderness.” His fearless preaching of repentance drew multitudes, and he baptized the Lord Himself in the Jordan River, witnessing the revelation of the Trinity. Yet John’s courage led him to confront King Herod Antipas for his unlawful marriage to Herodias.
For this, John was imprisoned and ultimately beheaded at the request of Herodias’ daughter. His martyrdom is remembered not only as a testimony to the truth about marriage and chastity but also as the culmination of his mission: to point all people to Christ, even in death. The Church honors his passion as a feast, recognizing him as a model of fidelity to truth and holiness.
Through the intercession of St. John the Baptist, may we have the courage to speak the truth with charity, defend the dignity of marriage, and bear witness to Christ without fear—even when it costs us greatly.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who willed that St. John the Baptist should go ahead of your Son both in his birth and in his death,
grant that, as he died a Martyr for truth and justice,
we, too, may fight hard for the confession of what you teach.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Saint John the Baptist, pray for us.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tomorrow’s saint of the day is St. Jeanne Jugan.
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