August 29th: The Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist

Patron of The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta

King Herod had married Herodias, wife of his brother, Philip. At great risk, John the Baptist preached that this was in violation of Jewish law, which Herod was bound to obey even though he was king. Herodias resented this greatly. Herod feared John as a righteous man, but respected him and kept him in protective custody.
But Saint John finally was martyred at the behest of Herodias.

Collect
God our Father, you called John the Baptist to be the herald of your Son’s birth and death. As he gave his life in witness to truth and justice, so may we strive to profess our faith in your Gospel. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

This information was provided by Fra’ James-Michael von Stroebel. Click here to view the complete Calendar of Liturgical Celebrations Proper to the Order.

Pictured above is the painting of St. John the Baptist Preaching.