The Passion of St John the Baptist: Thursday 29th August 2019

Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica to encourage them. The tone of the letter is warm and affectionate. Timothy had just brought Paul some good news from his visit with the Church at Thessalonica — the people were faithful, and the community was loving. This brought Paul great joy as he recognized that their faith had increased. Paul prayed that God’s love would continue to grow in their hearts and that they would increase in holiness. He ended by mentioning the future “coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” This would have given the community great hope as they struggled to stand firm in their new-found faith. Faith, love, and joy always go together — they cannot be separated.

John the Baptist had angered Herod’s wife, Herodias, by protesting their marriage as she was Herod’s brother’s wife. When Herod offered Herodias’ daughter, Salome, anything she wanted, Herodias seized the opportunity to have John beheaded. Herod was fascinated by John and wasn’t eager to kill him, but he felt he had to grant the request or endure public shame. John was beheaded because of Herod’s rash and foolish promise and his inability to control his desires. It teaches us to be spiritually awake and to take care with our words and promises. Honor comes from doing what is right and just, even if it is difficult.

Lord, help me to stand firm in my faith and to always do what is right.