From Fr. Mark-August 24, 2025

From Fr. Mark

            WELCOME VISITORS TO HOLY CHILDHOOD PICNIC

            Thank you to all who work so hard in many different ways, from chairing the picnic, chairing individual booths, those who prepared the food workers on the ground, and those who made monetary donations to the picnic. THANK YOU!  

The Passion of Saint John the Baptist The Memorial is an important day in the Catholic Church. It is celebrated every year on August 29th. This day remembers the death of John the Baptist, who was a key figure in preparing people for Jesus. He is known for his strong message and his call to repentance.

            John the Baptist was a prophet who lived a simple life. He wore rough clothing and ate simple food. He preached about turning away from sin and getting ready for the coming of Jesus. He also baptized many people, including Jesus himself. John’s courage in speaking the truth made him well-known, but it also led to his death.

            The story of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist is tragic. He spoke out against King Herod’s marriage, which was not allowed under Jewish law. This angered Herod’s wife, Herodias. She plotted to have John killed. Through a series of events, Herodias’ daughter, Salome, asked for John’s head as a reward for dancing at Herod’s party. Herod reluctantly agreed, and John was beheaded.

            The Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist is a time to remember his courage and his faithfulness. He stood up for what was right, even when it cost him his life. His example teaches us the importance of standing up for the truth. On this day, we honor his memory and the role he played in the story of Jesus.

John the Baptist had a unique and special beginning. His parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were elderly and had no children. One day, an angel told Zechariah that they would have a son, and they should name him John. This was surprising news, but it came true. John was born, and even as a baby, it was clear he had a special purpose.

            As John grew up, he went into the wilderness. He lived a simple life, wearing clothes made of camel’s hair and eating locusts and honey. John’s mission was to prepare people for Jesus. He did this by preaching about repentance, which means turning away from sin. He told people to change their ways and be baptized as a sign of their repentance.

            John also spoke boldly about the coming of Jesus. He called Jesus the “Lamb of God” and said he was not worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals. John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. This event marked the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. John’s role was to point people to Jesus and prepare them for his message.

            John the Baptist is remembered as a strong and courageous prophet. He was not afraid to speak the truth, even when it was dangerous. His life was a testimony to his faithfulness to God. By calling people to repentance, he helped them get ready for the teachings of Jesus. John’s mission was vital, and his example continues to inspire us today.

            John the Baptist was known for his strong and bold preaching. He called people to repent, which means to turn away from their sins. John’s message was simple: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” He warned people that they needed to change their lives and be ready for the coming of Jesus. John’s words were direct and sometimes harsh, but they were meant to wake people up.

One of the most important moments in John’s ministry was baptizing Jesus. Even though Jesus was sinless, he chose to be baptized by John. This showed Jesus’ humility and his connection to the people. When Jesus came to be baptized, John felt unworthy and said, “I need to be baptized by you.” But Jesus insisted, saying it was the right thing to do. As Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove. A voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

            John’s ministry was all about preparing the way for Jesus. He pointed people to Jesus and made them aware of their need for a Savior. John’s call to repentance was not just about turning away from sin, but also about turning towards Jesus. He paved the way for Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness. John’s boldness and commitment to the truth left a lasting impact on all who heard him.

John the Baptist was fearless in speaking the truth. He condemned King Herod’s marriage to Herodias, who was his brother Philip’s wife. According to Jewish law, this was not allowed. John boldly declared that their union was sinful. This courage to speak out put him in danger, especially with Herodias, who was deeply offended by his words.

            Herodias was furious with John for exposing their wrongdoing. She held a deep grudge against him and wanted to silence him permanently. Herod, on the other hand, had mixed feelings. He knew that John was a righteous and holy man. He was intrigued by John’s teachings and sometimes protected him from harm. However, Herodias’ anger was strong, and she pressured Herod to act against John.

            To appease Herodias, Herod decided to imprison John. He put him in a fortress called Machaerus. This was meant to quiet John’s voice and keep him from stirring up more trouble. Despite his imprisonment, John continued to be a voice of truth and remained faithful to his mission. He did not waver in his message, even while in chains. His boldness was a testament to his unwavering commitment to God’s law.

            Herod was troubled by his decision to imprison John. He respected John and knew that he was a just man. Herod even enjoyed listening to John, though he was disturbed by his message. Despite this, Herod felt trapped by his promise to Herodias and the need to maintain his authority. This inner conflict showed Herod’s weakness and his inability to stand up for what he knew was right.

            John’s imprisonment was not just about silencing a critic; it was about suppressing the truth. Herod and Herodias thought they could stop John’s influence by keeping him in prison. However, John’s message continued to resonate with the people. His courage in the face of danger made him a symbol of integrity. Even in chains, John’s spirit could not be broken, and his voice could not be silenced.

            The story of John’s martyrdom began at a banquet held by Herod. During the feast, Herodias’ daughter, Salome, danced for Herod and his guests. Her dance pleased Herod so much that he made a rash promise. He swore to give her anything she wanted, up to half his kingdom. This promise set the stage for a tragic end.

            Salome, advised by her mother, asked for John the Baptist’s head on a platter. Herod was shocked and distressed by this request. He did not want to kill John, knowing he was innocent. However, he had made an oath in front of his guests and felt he could not refuse. Reluctantly, Herod ordered John’s execution. The deed was done quickly, and John’s head was brought to Salome, who gave it to her mother.

            Herod did not want to kill John, but he felt trapped by his promise and the expectations of his guests. He knew that John was a good man and feared the consequences of killing him. However, Herod chose to protect his pride and reputation over doing what was right. After John’s death, Herod was left with guilt and regret. His decision was not just a crime against John but also a betrayal of his own conscience.

            Herodias finally got what she wanted—the death of John the Baptist. Her anger and desire for revenge were satisfied, but at a great cost. Herodias used her daughter to manipulate Herod and achieve her goals. This act showed the depth of her hatred and her willingness to use others to get what she wanted. Herodias’ triumph was hollow, as it was built on deceit and injustice.

John’s death was a direct result of his unwavering stand for truth and justice. Herodias’ anger and Herod’s weakness led to this unjust act. John became a martyr, a witness to the truth, and paid the ultimate price. His life and death remind us of the cost of speaking the truth and standing up against wrongdoing. Even in death, John’s message continued to inspire and challenge others.

            The Passion of Saint John the Baptist, observed on August 29, holds deep meaning for Christians. His willingness to die rather than stay silent about the truth sets an example for all believers. John’s death shows the importance of staying true to God’s laws, even in the face of danger. He is seen as a model of courage and faithfulness. His steadfastness in the face of persecution is a powerful testimony to the strength of his convictions.

            John’s life and death also point to Jesus Christ. Just as John suffered for the truth, Jesus would later suffer and die for the salvation of humanity. John’s role was to prepare the way for Jesus, and the Passion of Saint John the Baptist foreshadowed the sacrifice Jesus would make. Through his actions, John helped people see the seriousness of their sins and the need for repentance. He was the voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord.

            The Passion of John the Baptist calls all of us to examine our own lives. His call to repentance is still relevant today. John’s unwavering stand for truth challenges us to be honest with ourselves and with others. His life teaches us the importance of repentance and the need to align our lives with God’s will. John’s example continues to inspire and guide those who seek to live faithfully.

The Passion of Saint John the Baptist is not just a historical event; it is a timeless witness to the power of truth and justice. His courage inspires countless believers to stand up for their faith, no matter the cost. John’s life and death remind us that the path of righteousness is not always easy, but it is the path that leads to true peace and fulfillment. His legacy is a call to live boldly and faithfully in our own time.

            John’s witness continues to resonate with Christians today. His life and death are a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right. In a world often filled with compromise and fear, John’s courage and integrity shine brightly. His example encourages us to live our faith openly and to be willing to sacrifice for the sake of truth. John the Baptist’s martyrdom is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the ultimate triumph of truth over evil.