John the Baptist, son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, was the forerunner of Christ who preached repentance and baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. He was imprisoned by Herod Antipas for condemning the ruler's unlawful marriage to Herodias, and was beheaded at her prompting after her daughter's dance pleased Herod. August 29 commemorates his martyrdom, known as the Passion or Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
John spoke the truth without fear, even when it cost him his freedom and his life, showing that faithfulness to God matters more than safety or approval. His words 'He must increase; I must decrease' teach a humility that points always away from self and toward Christ.
Saint John the Baptist, voice crying out in the wilderness, help us to speak the truth with courage and to make straight the way of the Lord in our own hearts. Amen.