Hey there,
There are many Saints who we celebrate over the course of our Catholic Liturgical Calendar. A day hardly goes by that we aren’t celebrating at least one Saint. And some days multiple Saints.
But there are three whose birth and death we memorialize. Of course there’s our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, then there’s his mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary … and there’s one more. John the Baptist.
We celebrate the Nativity of John the Baptist on June 24th. But on August 29th, we memorialize the Passion of Saint John the Baptist.
John the Baptist was executed before Jesus was. In fact, there are some definite similarities between the two events.
And we know that almost all of Jesus’ disciples were eventually martyred.
You may think that executing Christians because of their faith is something that mostly happened during the time of Christ. Or in ancient times. But it continues even today.
The total number of Christians martyred each year is widely disputed. The number varies based on things like how you define a Christian, how you categorize the circumstances of their death, and how you count them. Different organizations’ estimation varies from 1,200 on the low end to 90,000 on the high end.
That’s quite a range! Regardless of the actual number, it blows my mind to think about even one person being killed because of his faith in this day and age.
All martyrs then and now, like John the Baptist, have one thing in common. They never lost their faith in God and were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice as a result.
John the Baptist died how he lived … proclaiming the truth and courageously following Jesus, regardless of what anyone else thought or said. Memorializing John on August 29th is a great reminder for us to remain steadfast in following Jesus in our own lives, regardless of the consequences.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
genuflect: sponsor
genuflect: resources
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 | Catholic Standard
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
genuflect: prayer
Pray The Novena to John The Baptist
Next Monday, 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. You’ll find the prayers here.
genuflect: bonus
Digital Inspiration
Click below to download this week’s free inspirational wallpaper for your desktop and your phone. Or download one of the previous wallpapers
Download for Desktop Download for Phone
genuflect: sharing
Please use these buttons to share this issue of Genuflect with your friends, family, and followers who may be interested. Thank you!
