The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (August 29)
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30
Each year on August 29, the Church commemorates one of the most solemn and sobering feasts in the liturgical calendar: the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
A Prophet’s Bold Witness
Saint John was the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets and the one chosen to prepare the way for Christ. He lived a life of radical humility, prayer, and truth — calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan. His whole mission was to point others to Jesus: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Yet his unwavering commitment to truth would cost him his life. John openly rebuked King Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife. Herodias, filled with resentment, manipulated her daughter Salome into demanding John’s head — and Herod, though conflicted, gave in to the pressure. Thus, the forerunner of Christ was martyred for defending marriage and moral truth.
Why We Fast
This is one of the few days in the Church year where we are called to strict fasting, even if it falls on a Friday or a feast day. We do this not only in sorrow over John’s unjust death, but as a reminder that truth often comes at a cost. As followers of Christ, we are called to live with the same courage and conviction — even when it’s unpopular.
Fasting on this day is an expression of:
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Respect for the martyrdom of St. John,
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Repentance for sin, and
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Solidarity with all who suffer persecution for truth and righteousness.
A Modern Example
In today’s world, speaking the truth with love can be just as challenging. Saint John reminds us that being faithful to God sometimes means standing against powerful voices. But like John, we do not stand alone. Christ Himself called John the greatest of all those born of women (Luke 7:28). May we follow his example with humility, clarity, and trust in God.
