“Prompted by her mother, the daughter of Herodias said ‘Give me here on a platter, the head of John the Baptist.’ The king was distressed, but because of his oaths…he had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.” Matthew 14:8-12. St. John Chrysostom said, “He preached the freedom of heavenly peace, yet was thrown into irons by ungodly men. He was locked away in the darkness of prison, though he came bearing witness to the Light of life — and deserved to be called a bright and shining lamp by that Light itself, which is Christ.”

Let us pray, My Lord Jesus, your beloved cousin John the Baptist was killed, which was a deep sorrow for you. And it was a sign of things to come. Darkness hated the light. Even today the truth is maligned and hated, for it exposes what we are. May we come to see the light of truth Lord and no longer hide from it. May we live in the light of freedom. Amen. “Let your light shine!!” Be blessed. Larry.