MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 29 AUGUST
August 29, 2025
NOVENA PRAYERS FOR THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
August 30, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
29 AUGUST, 2025
Mark 6:17-29
Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison
on account of Herodias,
the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.
John had said to Herod,
“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
Herodias harbored a grudge against him
and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.
Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man,
and kept him in custody.
When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed,
yet he liked to listen to him.
She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday,
gave a banquet for his courtiers,
his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.
Herodias’ own daughter came in
and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests.
The king said to the girl,
“Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.”
He even swore many things to her,
“I will grant you whatever you ask of me,
even to half of my kingdom.”
She went out and said to her mother,
“What shall I ask for?”
She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”
The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request,
“I want you to give me at once
on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was deeply distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests
he did not wish to break his word to her.
So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders
to bring back his head.
He went off and beheaded him in the prison.
He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl.
The girl in turn gave it to her mother.
When his disciples heard about it,
they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
This passage recounts the martyrdom of John the Baptist, who courageously spoke the truth to Herod, even though it cost him his life. John’s unwavering commitment to righteousness stands in stark contrast to Herod’s weakness, Herodias’ vengeful spirit, and the destructive power of unchecked desires. John reminds us that fidelity to God’s truth often requires sacrifice, courage, and the willingness to endure suffering. His life challenges us to examine whether we compromise the truth for comfort, approval, or fear. In John’s death, we see not defeat, but a witness to the victory of truth over corruption and a foreshadowing of Christ’s own passion.
PRAYER
Lord God, we thank You for the fearless witness of John the Baptist, who stood firm in proclaiming Your truth even unto death. Give us the same courage to live with integrity, to defend what is right, and to remain faithful to You despite opposition. Strengthen us against the temptations of fear, pride, and compromise, and help us to follow the example of John by pointing others to Christ. May our words and actions reflect Your truth and love always. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
