The Martyrdom of St John the Baptist | Tuesday 29 August 2023

Today is Tuesday the 29th of August, the martyrdom of St John the Baptist.

The University of Johannesburg Choir sings the Kyrie: Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy. These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God’s unfailing compassion and forgiveness.


Kyrie eleison
Christe eleison

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.


Mark 6:17-29


For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.


Consider the character and life of John the Baptist. He accompanied our Lord, mirrored his life, even from the womb: His conception predicted by an angel; his mother Elizabeth carrying him, as her cousin Mary carried her own son, Jesus; his radical, simple lifestyle; his outspoken mission. A life of commitment called to an abrupt, terrifying halt on the whim of a wealthy dysfunctional family playing a sordid game. What’s your reaction to the unfolding horror of these scenes? It’s an event much depicted in paintings. You might want to find an example of one and spend some time reflecting on it…

“When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he liked to listen to him.” Herod and John. One as different as the other. Picture them. One the king, the other a man of the soil, telling it like it is. John has somehow won Herod over to be able to speak with him on a deep level. How do you imagine their conversations?


As you hear the passage again, reflect on where you stand when a truth needs to be upheld…

As this prayer time comes to a close, you might like to remember those in prison for telling God’s truths. Stand with them. Thank God for their courage and pray for their encouragement.


Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.