The biblical account portrays the beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Herod Antipas. According to the Synoptic Gospels, Herod had imprisoned John because he reproved Herod for divorcing his wife (Phasaelis), and unlawfully taking his brother Herod Philip I's wife, Herodias. On Herod's birthday, Herodias' daughter (traditionally named Salome) danced before the king and his guests. Her dancing pleased Herod so much that in his drunkenness he promised to give her anything she desired, up to half of his kingdom. When the daughter asked her mother what she should request, she was told to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Although Herod was appalled by the request, he reluctantly agreed and had John executed in the prison.
The Martyrdom of The Forerunner - 29 August
The Collect.
Almighty God, by whose grace and power thy servant John the Baptist triumphed over suffering and despised death: Grant, we beseech thee, that we, enduring hardness and waxing valiant in fight, may with the noble army of martyrs receive the crown of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord,who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Epistle - Jeremiah 1:17-19.
The Gospel - St. Mark 6:17-29.
Reference and Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beheading_of_John_the_Baptist
http://www.episcopalnet.org/1928bcp/propers/Missal/August29.html
http://www.issuesetc.org/podcast/Show45082808H2S2.mp3
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