Daily Scripture, August 29, 2025
Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist
Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Mark 6:17-29
Reflection:
Holiness is often perceived as an achievement reserved for Saints, but in his Letter to the Thessalonians, Saint Paul encourages individuals to pursue holiness by “conducting yourselves to please God.” His instructions emphasize interpersonal relationships, specifically regarding choosing a spouse or interacting with others.
Saint John the Baptist preached about the coming of the messiah and addressed Herod Antipas’s marriage to his brother’s wife while his brother was still alive. This interaction may be viewed as an encouragement for Herod to reflect on the standards by which he related to others. When asked by his wife for the “head of John the Baptist,” Herod Antipas, holding authority as a king, did not refuse the request. Refusing could have been seen as humbling or a sign of weakness. Even someone in Herod’s position appeared to feel influenced by those present, possibly considering their opinions or support for either the queen or himself, while others may have chosen not to voice their perspectives.
Holiness is reflected in the way individuals conduct themselves in both personal and professional relationships, as well as in their integrity when unobserved. Saint Paul advised the Thessalonians to evaluate the quality of their interactions with others. The Gospel addresses the courage required to uphold holiness, particularly in challenging circumstances. Holiness involves striving for completeness and seeking a connection with God through our relationships, while also serving as a positive influence that encourages others toward holiness.
“Be holy, because I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16
Linda Schork is a theology teacher at Saint Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky.
Scripture: 1 Kings 3:4-13 Mark 6:30-34 Reflection: Today’s readings are rich with meaning and contain much for us to treasure. Certainly Solomon’s humble plea for a compassionate heart is one » Continue Reading.
Memorial of Saint Scholastica Scripture: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 Mark 6:53-56 Reflection: It happened again today. I received a religious email promising that if I forward it to a certain number » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Sirach 47:2-11 Mark 6:14-29 Reflection: As a high school Passionist seminarian, I had great hopes of saving the world. I wanted to be like David so beautifully described in » Continue Reading.
Scripture: I Kings 2:1-4, 10-12 Mark 6:7-13 Reflection: First Book Kings begins with the death and burial of King David. David’s end is Solomon’s beginning, his reign as the new » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17 Mark 6:1-6 Reflection: "What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:1-10, 13-17 Mark 4:26-34 Reflection: "To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God…" In today’s Gospel we have two parables where Jesus uses two different images » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 Mark 4:21-25 Reflection: In olden days, streets had gas lamps. And each evening a lamplight would go from lamp to lamp with a burning » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:4-17 Mark 4:1-20 Reflection: Father, help me to reflect with my Passionist family this day on the words of Jesus in the parable of the sower and » Continue Reading.
Feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19 Mark 3:31-35 Reflection: In the gospel of today, Jesus reminds us, ‘The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10 Mark 3:22-30 Reflection: When Nelson Mandela walked out of his prison cell on February 11, 1990, Catholic editors described it as a "Teilhardian" moment. Fr. » Continue Reading.