Homily for the Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist

As we know, John the Baptist was a significant figure predestined to herald the coming of the Messiah. In his late teens he was guided by the Spirit to live an abstemious and reflective life in the desert. At the age of thirty, he appeared as a preacher of reform and regeneration. He called the people to repent and be baptized, washing away their sins, while proclaiming the coming of the Messiah. He was looked upon as a genuine prophet of God, and his voice resounded with a clear call to faith and virtuous reform.

John’s message infuriated Herod and Herodias, the wife of Herod’s brother Philip, with whom he lived in defiance of the law. John boldly criticized them for the scandal and was imprisoned.

At a lavish birthday banquet in the royal palace, Salome, the daughter of Philip and Herodias, so enchanted the guests with her dancing that Herod pledged to grant her whatever she asked. Provoked by her mother, the girl asked for the head of John the Baptist. Acting on her wishes, Herod reluctantly had John beheaded. 

Today's memorial honors the great herald of Jesus, who gave his life for the truth about a year before the Passion of Jesus. He foresaw Jesus' death on the Cross, referring to him as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world."