HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF THE BEHEADING OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST.
THEME: The beheading of John the Baptist.
BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
HOMILY FOR MONDAY AUGUST 29 2022
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Psalm 118:97-102
Mark 6:17-29
*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
RED
*INTRODUCTION*
Dear brethren, today, we celebrate the Feast of the Passion of St. John the Baptist, also known as the The beheading of John the Baptist. We remember the moment when this holy man of God suffers for the sake of the faith, as he endured suffering and hardships in prison, as he defended the truth of God and the righteousness of faith, amidst the immorality of king Herod and his unlawful wife, Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip.
This Feast is different with the one we celebrated on 24th June, which was the feast of the birth of John the Baptist.
*ABOUT OUR GOSPEL READING*
The gospel reading says that Herod knew John to be a good and holy man, and that he liked to listen to John. Yet, Herod ordered John’s execution at the request of his wife because he had promised her daughter Herodias anything she wanted. He didn’t want to lose his honour by refusing her unexpected request for the head of John the Baptist. Herod knew he was killing a good and holy man, but his honour and reputation meant more to him.
*WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THE LITURGY OF TODAY?*
Dear Friends, the Lord calls from deep within us; we hear that call but we don’t always respond to it. We can end up responding to other calls that can be in conflict with the Lord’s call. John is an inspiration and an encouragement to us to keep responding generously and courageously to that deeper call in our lives, the Lord’s call that sounds from deep with us. It is in responding to that call that we will find life, both here and now and in eternity.
*CONCLUSION*
The individual question is that, Are we willing to suffer and endure rejection, oppression and even trials for the sake of the Lord. But we have no need to be worried or be fearful, as in the end, the Lord will be by our side and He will guide us to Himself, showing us the sure and right path, guiding us patiently and ever so lovingly, seeking us and reaching out to us, ever lovingly calling on us to turn back towards Him. We should consider ourselves so fortunate to have such a great and loving God and Father, and yet, many of us still hardened our hearts and minds against Him.
St John the baptist pray for us.