Reflection/Homily for Tuesday of the 21st week in ordinary time Memorial of the passion or beheading Saint John the Baptist 29th August 2023,
Homily for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time. Memorial of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. Jeremiah 1:17-19. Psalm 71:1-2,3-4a,6-6ab,16l5ab,17. Mark 6:17-29. Today, we recall the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Lord. His death hints at the future fate of Jesus and some of his disciples who will also die witnessing the truth. He is the only saint who is honoured by the Catholic Church on both the occasion of his birth and of his death. Today's passage from St. Mark's Gospel narrates the details of John's martyrdom within the context of the evil schemes that were planned in order to silence him. Herod ordered his execution as recorded in today's Gospel. Herod is one of the most pitiful individuals in the Gospel. Despite the position of Herod's authority, John preached repentance, not fearing the rich or the powerful. His message of truth justice and truth is blind to person(s) in front of him; the One who sent him is more impor...