From The Religious Education Coordinator
The Baptist’s Final Sermon
Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist, August 29
Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Mark 6:17–19
Today’s memorial recalls one of the most appalling acts of murder the world has ever known, surpassed only by the crucifixion of the Son of God. Saint John the Baptist stands as a towering figure in Salvation History. Though God raised up many prophets from the time of Israel’s founding, none was greater than John, as our Lord Himself declared, “Among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11).
John was miraculously conceived by elderly parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, after long years of barrenness. The Archangel Gabriel foretold his birth, identifying him as the one who would go before the Lord “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17). According to ancient Christian tradition, John was sanctified in his mother’s womb at the moment of the Visitation. When the Blessed Virgin Mary, newly pregnant with the Son of God, greeted her kinswoman Elizabeth, “the infant leaped in her womb,” and Elizabeth was “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:41).
From the desert, John preached repentance, preparing hearts for the coming of the Messiah. But his boldness went beyond gentle invitations to conversion. He confronted the most powerful of his time, publicly rebuking Herod Antipas for his unlawful union with Herodias, his brother’s wife. This courageous act of prophetic truth-telling cost John his freedom and, ultimately, his life.
Reflect today on your own willingness to imitate Saint John’s bold fidelity. How far are you willing to go to proclaim the Gospel to those who need it most? No sacrifice is too great, no cost too high when it comes to responding to Christ’s call. Give everything for the Truth, and your witness will bear eternal fruit.
My sorrowful Lord, Your Heart was grieved at the death of Saint John the Baptist, yet it also rejoiced in his unwavering fidelity to the truth he proclaimed with boldness and love. Fill me, too, with the spirit and power of Elijah, that I may carry on the proclamation of salvation in the way You have called me, even to the shedding of my blood, if You so will. Jesus, I trust in You.
RCIY – Sacrament of Reconciliation
Last Thursday, students gathered at St Kevin’s Parish for a beautiful Sacrament of Confirmation service. It was a wonderful combined celebration, uniting candidates from Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich—including Mackenzie and Roisin—alongside students from Holy Cross College and Marist College Eastwood.
The service was led by Fr Greg from the Ryde-Gladesville Parish, marking a significant milestone for all the students involved.
We are pleased to announce that we will be running the sacramental program again in 2027 for any interested students.
Marist Family Justice, Peace and Integrity in Creation
Join us in celebrating the Season of Creation (September 1 – October 4).
Event Details:
- When: Saturday, September 19, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Where: Parish Hall, Hunters Hill
For additional details, please refer to the attached flyer.
RSVP: by Sep 12 to Cathy Larkin, Marist Way: cathylarkin1960@gmail.com
