Hey there,
Each day of the liturgical calendar draws our attention to the witness of the Saints. Some days honor one, some several. Their lives remind us that holiness is possible in every age and circumstance.
Yet among the countless Saints, only three have both their birth and their death recognized by the Church: Our Lord Jesus Christ, His Blessed Mother, and His forerunner, John the Baptist.
On June 24th we celebrate the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. And on August 29th, the Church pauses to remember his Passion … his faithful witness unto death.
John was put to death before Jesus, and his martyrdom foreshadows the Passion of Christ. Like Jesus, he was condemned unjustly for speaking the truth. And like so many of Christ’s disciples after him, John sealed his testimony with his blood.
It can be tempting to think of martyrdom as something that belonged to the early Church. Yet even today, in our own time, Christians around the world continue to give their lives for the faith. The numbers are debated … some estimates speak of over a thousand martyrs each year, while others count many times more. But even one life lost for Christ is a profound reminder of the cost of discipleship.
What unites all martyrs … ancient and modern … is their unwavering fidelity to God. Like John the Baptist, they proclaim the truth without compromise and remain steadfast, even in the face of death.
As we commemorate the Passion of St. John the Baptist, we are invited to reflect: Are we willing to follow Christ with the same courage in our daily lives? May his example inspire us to speak truth with boldness, to remain faithful in trial, and to live with our eyes fixed firmly on Jesus.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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All About John’s Passion
The memorial of the Passion of John the Baptist is all about this Saint’s gruesome death. Here’s the who, what, why, and how of the events surrounding his execution.
The Passion of Saint John The Baptist | My Catholic Life
John The Baptist’s Humility
Today we focus on John the Baptist’s death, but what was he like in life? According to Bill Dunn he was brash and bold … and humble. Though these characteristics may seem to be at odds, Mr. Dunn explains why they are really not.
John the Baptist’s Humble Passion | Catholic365
Who Was John The Baptist?
There are a couple of key stories in the Bible about John the Baptist, including his first encounter with Jesus while in his mother’s womb, and of course, his Baptism of Jesus. But did you know that John the Baptist was quite famous in his day? Here are 10 other things you may not know about this prophet.
Who Was St. John The Baptist? 11 Things to Know And Share | National Catholic Register
Follow in John’s Footsteps
Father Jeffrey Kirby says that though our world often places an emphasis on happiness, power, and control, the Passion of John the Baptist reminds us that we are called to follow in John’s footsteps and unite ourselves with Jesus Christ. Here’s how.
Like John The Baptist, We’re Called to Seek Goodness And Righteousness | Crux
The Sanctity of Marriage
Saint John the Baptist was imprisoned and ultimately executed because of his defense of the sanctity of Marriage. Monsignor Charles Pope takes a look at the challenges … and importance … of following this teaching of Christ.
St. John The Baptist: Martyr For The Sanctity of Marriage | Archdiocese of Washington
Why August 29th?
We celebrate the Nativity of John the Baptist on June 24th each year. So why do we celebrate his death by beheading on August 29th? Legend has it that it is tied to this event that happened in 452.
Why is The Passion of John The Baptist Celebrated on August 29? | Aleteia
His 4 Heads
Whatever became of John the Baptist’s remains? There are four different locations that claim to have the relic of the forerunner of Christ’s head. Here’s the story behind each one of them … plus a bonus fifth claim that has only recently come to light.
The Four Heads of John The Baptist | Aleteia
Perfect Role Model For Kids
Jesus’ cousin played a prominent role in our salvation history. His life and death show how to grow in faith, obedience, and courage. Here are 5 ways that John the Baptist makes a perfect role model for kids.
5 Ways John The Baptist is The Perfect Role Model For Kids | Aleteia
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Pray The Novena to John The Baptist
This Friday, August 29th we will memorialize The Passion of Saint John the Baptist. There’s no better way to prepare than to begin praying the Novena to John the Baptist now.
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