Today is Friday the 29th of August, the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist in the 21st week of ordinary time. Lord, I will lift my help My help

is coming from you I am Son, Paul Zach and Jessica Fox sing Total Praise.

Your peace you give me in time of the storm You are the source of my strength.

You are the gospel of Mark

For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodius, his brother Philip's wife, because Herod had married her.

For John had been telling Herod,

it is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife,

and Herodius had a grudge against him and wanted to kill him.

But she could not, for Herod feared John,

knowing that he was a righteous and holy man,

and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he liked to listen to him.

But an opportunity came when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers, and for the leaders of Galilee.

When his daughter Herodius came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests.

And the king said to the girl,

Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.

And he solemnly swore to her,

whatever you ask me, I will give you even half of my kingdom.

She went out and said to her mother,

What should I ask for?

She replied, the head of John the baptiser.

Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested,

I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

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