Passion and Prophecy

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist, remind us to rely on Providence when our faith, plans, and passion are in conflict with modern modes of living.

Priest, Prophet, Leader

The CCCB lists this Reading from the Prophet Jeremiah that declares “They will fight against you, but not prevail over you”

The Book of Jeremiah combines history, biography, and prophecy. It portrays a nation in crisis and introduces the reader to an extraordinary person whom the Lord called to prophesy under the trying circumstances of the final days of the kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah was born, perhaps about 650 B.C., of a priestly family from the village of Anathoth, two and a half miles northeast of Jerusalem. He was called to his task in the thirteenth year of King Josiah (Jer 1:2). Josiah’s reform, begun with enthusiasm and hope, ended with his death on the battlefield of Megiddo (609 B.C.) as he attempted to stop the northward march of the Egyptian Pharaoh Neco, who was going to provide assistance to the Assyrians who were in retreat before the Babylonians. (Jeremiah, THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH | USCCB, n.d.)

The USCCB lists a passage from 1 Thessalonians that presents Paul’s Instruction about Holiness in Sexual Contact.

* [4:2] Instructions: these include specific guidelines on the basis of the Lord’s authority, not necessarily sayings Jesus actually uttered. More profoundly, as 1 Thes 4:8 implies, the instructions are practical principles that Paul worked out in accordance with his understanding of the role of the Spirit.

* [4:3–8] Many think that this passage deals with a variety of moral regulations (fornication, adultery, sharp business practices). It can be more specifically interpreted as bringing general norms to bear on a specific problem, namely, marriage within degrees of consanguinity (as between uncle and niece) forbidden in Jewish law but allowed according to a Greek heiress law, which would insure retention of an inheritance within the family and perhaps thereby occasion divorce. In that case, “immorality” (1 Thes 4:3) should be rendered as “unlawful marriage” and “this matter” (1 Thes 4:6) as “a lawsuit.” The phrase in 1 Thes 4:4, “acquire a wife for himself,” has often been interpreted to mean “control one’s body.” (1 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 97 is a hymn with God appearing in a storm.

* [Psalm 97] The hymn begins with God appearing in a storm, a traditional picture of some ancient Near Eastern gods (Ps 97:1–6); cf. Ps 18:8–16; Mi 1:3–4; Heb 3:3–15. Israel rejoices in the overthrowing of idol worshipers and their gods (Ps 97:7–9) and the rewarding of the faithful righteous (Ps 97:10–12). (Psalms, PSALM 97 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark describes the Death of John the Baptist.

* [6:17–29] Similarities are to be noted between Mark’s account of the imprisonment and death of John the Baptist in this pericope, and that of the passion of Jesus (Mk 15:1–47). Herod and Pilate, each in turn, acknowledges the holiness of life of one over whom he unjustly exercises the power of condemnation and death (Mk 6:26–27; 15:9–10, 14–15). The hatred of Herodias toward John parallels that of the Jewish leaders toward Jesus. After the deaths of John and of Jesus, well-disposed persons request the bodies of the victims of Herod and of Pilate in turn to give them respectful burial (Mk 6:29; 15:45–46).

* [6:19] Herodias: see note on Mt 14:3. (Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Joan Blandin Howard encourages us to accept Ignatius’ invitation to imaginative, contemplative prayer.  “Using all of your senses, enter into this banquet scene and notice where you land and what you experience of the others and of the Holy Spirit, the Giver of all Truth and the cleanser of all fear.”

Where is the good news in this reading? I experience Herod as a sympathetic character.  In his heart he knows John to be a good and holy man.  Even though perplexed, Herod is drawn to John’s words .  Still, he is afraid of John. Out of fear Herod has John beheaded.  Was Herod afraid of what John could do to him if he was released?  Or was Herod more afraid of what his wife might do if he did not behead John?  Or was he most afraid of what his court, followers and citizens might do to him?  The battle of truth and fear.  How is it that we often instinctively recognize truth and yet cannot cleanse ourselves of fear.  The forever battle between truth and fear rages. (Blandin Howard, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “The Weakness of the Tyrant and the Power of the Beheaded,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)

"Note well the weakness of the tyrant compared to the power of the one in prison. Herod was not strong enough to silence his own tongue. Having opened it, he opened up countless other mouths in its place and with its help. As for John, he immediately inspired fear in Herod after his murder - for fear was disturbing Herod's conscience to such an extent that he believed John had been raised from the dead and was performing miracles (Mark 6:14-16)! In our own day and through all future time, throughout all the world, John continues to refute Herod, both through himself and through others. For each person repeatedly reading this Gospel says: 'It is not lawful for you to have the wife of Philip your brother' (Mark 6:18). And even apart from reading the Gospel, in assemblies and meetings at home or in the market, in every place... even to the very ends of the earth, you will hear this voice and see that righteous man even now still crying out, resounding loudly, reproving the evil of the tyrant. He will never be silenced nor the reproof at all weakened by the passing of time." (excerpt from ON THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD 22.8-9) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 6:17-29 comments that it wasn’t just John’s death that pointed to Jesus; his entire life served as a witness to him. His entire ministry was focused on making Jesus “known to Israel” (John 1:31). Everything he did—preaching repentance, baptizing people, and challenging those who abused their power—pointed to Jesus. Even today, he continues to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Luke 3:4).

How is John calling you to prepare the way for Jesus?

Wherever you are right now, consider how you can take one more step that will open your heart to Jesus more deeply. If you have felt lukewarm in prayer, remember that you have been baptized “with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). If you are struggling with temptation or the call to deny yourself, ask the Lord to give you resolve. If you are too focused on your own desires, remember John’s profession: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). No matter how the Baptist’s witness touches you today, ask the Holy Spirit to help you follow the example of this hero and herald.

“St. John, forerunner of the Lord, pray that I may receive a double portion of your courage and conviction today!” (Meditation on Mark 6:17-29, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments the content of 1 Thessalonians turns to practical matters including being faithful in marriage. Paul shares that God would become the “goel” in times of abandonment.  Sexual morality was not strong in pagan religion; the gods were not good examples. We are called to integrity and fidelity. John the Baptist was martyred after declaring it was forbidden to marry a brother’s wife. Herod was both fascinated and afraid. Salome dances and initiates a promise and Herod gives in to her request. Herod is seen as a weak figure giving in to the request even as it meant the death of a “Man of God”. Friar Jude notes the location of numerous relics of John the Baptist in Europe where the benefit may be to bring us to prayer.

Fr. Richard Rohr introduces Camaldolese monk and songwriter Cyprian Consiglio who shares a memory of visiting Israel and Palestine. Consiglio finds himself changed by Rabbi Eli’s solidarity with the Palestinian people:  

My friends told me that when I came back from that trip to the Holy Land my preaching changed. It was more fiery, more “prophetic,” I suppose. I was fired up by the frustration and energized by the agitation that I felt witnessing up close a situation that was patently unsustainable and obviously unjust, but with no visible solution and no one with enough real moral authority to “fix” everything. And I think I felt like never before the challenge of being a follower of Jesus, and I glimpsed what a privileged position we Christians have there in the Holy Land as well as in the world at large, to stand in the breach between our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters and dare to preach love of our enemies, dare to believe that peace if possible, dare to take Jesus at his word. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the consolation of the Spirit when our actions to be disciples of Christ alienate us from the powers and principalities of the world.

References

Blandin Howard, J. (2025, August 29). Daily Reflection August 29, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-august-29-2025 

Jeremiah, THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/0 

Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/6?17 

Meditation on Mark 6:17-29. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/08/29/1365059/ 

1 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1thessalonians/4?1 

Psalms, PSALM 97 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/97?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC.org. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/can-christians-be-makers-of-peace/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Herod Feared John - a Righteous and Holy Man. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=aug29a 

Prophets and Tyrants

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to speak truth to the powerful modern day tyrants that act with a self interest that threatens the life and liberty of others.

Prophets and Tyrants

The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews exhorts us to morality and service that is well-pleasing to God.

* [13:1–16] After recommendations on social and moral matters (Heb 13:1–6), the letter turns to doctrinal issues. The fact that the original leaders are dead should not cause the recipients of this letter to lose their faith (Heb 13:7), for Christ still lives and he remains always the same (Heb 13:8). They must not rely for their personal sanctification on regulations concerning foods (Heb 13:9), nor should they entertain the notion that Judaism and Christianity can be intermingled (Heb 13:10; cf. notes on Gal 2:11–14; 2:15–21). As Jesus died separated from his own people, so must the Christian community remain apart from the religious doctrines of Judaism (Heb 13:11–14). Christ must be the heart and center of the community (Heb 13:15–16). (Hebrews, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 27 is a triumphant Song of Confidence.

* [Psalm 27] Tradition has handed down the two sections of the Psalm (Ps 27:1–6; 7–14) as one Psalm, though each part could be understood as complete in itself. Asserting boundless hope that God will bring rescue (Ps 27:1–3), the psalmist longs for the presence of God in the Temple, protection from all enemies (Ps 27:4–6). In part B there is a clear shift in tone (Ps 27:7–12); the climax of the poem comes with “I believe” (Ps 27:13), echoing “I trust” (Ps 27:3). (Psalms, PSALM 27 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark presents the Death of John the Baptist.

* [6:17–29] Similarities are to be noted between Mark’s account of the imprisonment and death of John the Baptist in this pericope, and that of the passion of Jesus (Mk 15:1–47). Herod and Pilate, each in turn, acknowledges the holiness of life of one over whom he unjustly exercises the power of condemnation and death (Mk 6:26–27; 15:9–10, 14–15). The hatred of Herodias toward John parallels that of the Jewish leaders toward Jesus. After the deaths of John and of Jesus, well-disposed persons request the bodies of the victims of Herod and of Pilate in turn to give them respectful burial (Mk 6:29; 15:45–46).

* [6:19] Herodias: see note on Mt 14:3. (Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Maureen McCann Waldron comments that Herod had ignored the part of his heart that John was able to touch - the truth about his life.

We all have those nagging prophets in our lives, people who want to confront us with a truth we don't want to hear; people whose words put a gnawing in our stomachs as we redouble our efforts to ignore them; or sometimes simply messages we simply don't want to listen to. Why can't they just leave us alone to live our lives? Why do they keep pushing at us about justice, hunger, living simply, drinking less? Who are the prophets in our lives who tell us it isn't enough to go to Church on Sundays if we are not cherishing our vows and our spouses? How much do we want to ignore those who suggest we need a balance in our family lives or the person who tells us that our jobs should not be the center of our lives? What are the prophetic messages we are not listening to?

Today's gospel isn't about Herod - it's about ourselves. Who stands at the edge of our lives, pushing, nagging and confronting us with a truth we don't want to hear? What is the invitation for us today? (McCann Waldron, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Weakness of the Tyrant and the Power of the Beheaded,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).

"Note well the weakness of the tyrant compared to the power of the one in prison. Herod was not strong enough to silence his own tongue. Having opened it, he opened up countless other mouths in its place and with its help. As for John, he immediately inspired fear in Herod after his murder - for fear was disturbing Herod's conscience to such an extent that he believed John had been raised from the dead and was performing miracles (Mark 6:14-16)! In our own day and through all future time, throughout all the world, John continues to refute Herod, both through himself and through others. For each person repeatedly reading this Gospel says: 'It is not lawful for you to have the wife of Philip your brother' (Mark 6:18). And even apart from reading the Gospel, in assemblies and meetings at home or in the market, in every place... even to the very ends of the earth, you will hear this voice and see that righteous man even now still crying out, resounding loudly, reproving the evil of the tyrant. He will never be silenced nor the reproof at all weakened by the passing of time." (excerpt from ON THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD 22.8-9) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Hebrews 13:1-8 comments that today’s passage reminds us that we—whether in prison or not—are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We belong to one another, and together we make up the body of Christ. So let’s consider how we can deepen our understanding of how we are all one in Christ and then put it into action.

If you’re “on the outside,” let these simple exercises deepen your compassion for your incarcerated brothers and sisters. Set some time aside to pray especially for them. And if you’re “on the inside,” pray for those on the inside with you. Look into connecting with organizations like Kairos, which foster a deep and life-changing encounter with Jesus. Let’s all “be mindful of prisoners,” because we are all one family!

“Lord, mold my heart to have greater compassion for my brothers and sisters living behind bars.” (Meditation on Hebrews 13:1-8, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the things we need to live a life of virtue in trust and faith that are cited in the parenesis at the end of Hebrews. The greater reality beyond what can be seen is evidenced in the martyrdom of John the Baptist. Friar Jude mentions several locations of the “head of the Baptist” relic that remind us to take some claims with a grain of salt.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces author and podcaster Cassidy Hall who suggests that we might use the word “queer” to describe the strange, out-of-the-box ways of thinking and acting that characterized many of the prophets.

Thomas Merton wrote that in order to know or understand the will of the Divine, “we have to participate, in some manner, in the vision of the prophets: [people] who were always alive to the divine light concealed in the opacity of things and events, and who sometimes saw glimpses of that light where other [people] saw nothing but ordinary happenings.” [1] 

Where, I wonder, are the ordinary happenings I am passing over for the sake of my own comfort, ease, or control? We need not only look to the margins—the outcasts of society—but we also look to those who make us uncomfortable, those we might be avoiding, and the issues we might rather opt out of, because when we queer prophecy, we release a need to know or name and instead engage more closely with prophetic values and Spirit’s movement in our midst. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the consequences of living to the standards in the parenesis of Hebrews and seek the power of the Spirit as we come into confrontation with the tyrants of our time.

References

Hebrews, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved February 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/13?1 

Mark, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved February 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/6?14 

McCann Waldron, M. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/020725.html 

Meditation on Hebrews 13:1-8. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved February 7, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/02/07/1196985/ 

Psalms, PSALM 27 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved February 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/27?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Look to the Margins. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved February 7, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/look-to-the-margins/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Herod's Guilty Conscience. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved February 7, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=feb7