Homily – Friday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 10-12; Mark 6:17-29



Introduction

There’s an old African proverb that says: “When you tell the truth, you don’t need to remember anything.” But, as we know, telling the truth often comes with a price. Today we commemorate Saint John the Baptist, who preferred death to silence, because his life was dedicated to preparing the way of the Lord with integrity.

The Word of God

  • In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Paul urges us to live lives that are holy, pleasing to God, and respectful of our bodies. Holiness is not a private luxury but a public witness—it sets us apart in a world that often normalises sin. John the Baptist embodied this holiness by denouncing sin, even in the royal palace.

  • The Psalm (97) proclaims God as King, who loves justice and hates evil. It reminds us that those who stand with God must also stand for what is right. John’s voice echoed this psalm: “You cannot serve God and evil together.”

  • The Gospel (Mark 6:17-29) narrates the dramatic and sorrowful story of John’s death. He spoke the truth to Herod about his immoral relationship, and though Herod feared and respected him, weakness, pride, and lust led to John’s martyrdom. The voice crying out in the wilderness was silenced by men, but it continues to echo in the Gospel.

Connection of the Readings

All three readings converge on the call to holiness, courage, and fidelity to truth. John’s life and death show us that holiness is not about isolation, but about standing firm in the world—even when it is costly.

Reflection Questions

  1. Am I willing to stand for truth and holiness, even if it makes me unpopular?

  2. In what ways do I compromise with sin out of fear or convenience?

  3. How does John’s courage inspire me to live more faithfully as a disciple of Christ?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee & Synod)

  • Jubilee Year: Like John, we are called to be pilgrims of hope—not afraid to witness to truth and to proclaim God’s justice in a world that often resists it.

  • Synodality: We are invited to walk together in truth, building communities where honesty, justice, and respect guide our relationships.

Inspiration / Motivation

John’s death was not the end but the fulfilment of his mission: pointing to Christ. His life reminds us that no power, no king, no palace can silence the truth of God.

Quote for the Day

"The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church." – Tertullian

Conclusion

The Passion of John the Baptist teaches us that holiness requires courage, and truth sometimes demands sacrifice. His witness challenges us not to fear the Cross but to embrace it as the way to true freedom in Christ.

Concluding Prayer

Lord God,
through the witness of Saint John the Baptist,
You teach us that holiness and truth are worth every sacrifice.
Grant us courage to speak the truth in love,
purity of heart to walk in holiness,
and strength to stand firm when tested.
May our lives, like John’s, point always to Christ,
who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

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