Today’s Gospel reading is about John the Baptist giving his life for his faith. Recall that in recent years a gunman entered a church and murdered about ten of the faithful gathered for a Bible study. Catholics and Christians worldwide freely give their lives for Christ. Many of them die rather than deny Jesus.
Today, we honor the Passion of St. John the Baptist. King Herod imprisoned John for speaking the truth. Yet John’s call to repentance was for everyone, even the king of the Roman Empire. St. John understood that Christ could not be part of anyone’s life without repentance. His conviction in this truth and his courage to speak it, even to the king, grew stronger through years of fasting and living without life’s comforts in the desert.
I have to admit, I don’t look forward to fasting or dealing with life’s inconveniences. I bet many of you feel the same way. Because we have so many comforts in America, even small changes or sacrifices can feel like a burden. However, let us not underestimate the value of these small sacrifices. They matter in God’s eyes. Some of us might feel that pinch at the gas station or the grocery store.
Gospel Challenge: When life presents these challenges, think of others before ourselves. Let’s offer our sacrifices as a prayer for people worldwide who are suffering severe persecution for their faith. God may not grant us the opportunity to sacrifice our lives for Jesus; still, we can speak the truth graciously, showing that Jesus is worth every inconvenience.
May St. John’s spirit grow within us so that, if we are called to become martyrs, we will have the courage and strength to endure.
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Fr. Rick’s Homily: Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist
August 29, 2026
Mark 6:17-29
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082926.cfm
Speaking The Truth Is Worth A Sacrifice
Today’s Gospel reading is about John the Baptist giving his life for his faith. Recall that
in recent years a gunman entered a church and murdered about ten of the faithful
gathered for a Bible study. Catholics and Christians worldwide freely give their lives for
Christ. Many of them die rather than deny Jesus.
Today, we honor the Passion of St. John the Baptist. King Herod imprisoned John for
speaking the truth. Yet John’s call to repentance was for everyone, even the king of the
Roman Empire. St. John understood that Christ could not be part of anyone’s life
without repentance. His conviction in this truth and his courage to speak it, even to the
king, grew stronger through years of fasting and living without life’s comforts in the
desert.
I have to admit, I don’t look forward to fasting or dealing with life’s inconveniences. I bet
many of you feel the same way. Because we have so many comforts in America, even
small changes or sacrifices can feel like a burden. However, let us not underestimate
the value of these small sacrifices. They matter in God’s eyes. Some of us might feel
that pinch at the gas station or the grocery store.
Gospel Challenge:
When life presents these challenges, think of others before ourselves. Let’s offer our
sacrifices as a prayer for people worldwide who are suffering severe persecution for
their faith. God may not grant us the opportunity to sacrifice our lives for Jesus; still, we
can speak the truth graciously, showing that Jesus is worth every inconvenience.
May St. John’s spirit grow within us so that, if we are called to become martyrs, we will
have the courage and strength to endure.
Peace everyone.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
https://www.bsschurch.com
https://www.rosminians.com
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