Today we remember two moments of piercing truth:
The Passion of St. John the Baptist, who gave his life for righteousness…
And the tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School, where innocent lives were taken in a place meant for peace and prayer.
These moments are not easy to hold. They confront us with the cost of righteousness, the weight of truth, and the ache of injustice. And yet, Jesus speaks into this very pain:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.”
This is not a poetic comfort. It is a spiritual paradox.
Righteousness—true holiness—often invites suffering.
John the Baptist stood before Herod and spoke truth that no one else dared to utter. He lost his life, but gained eternity.
The children of Annunciation did not choose persecution, but their memory now calls us to choose holiness. To choose courage. To choose surrender.
St. Paul urges the Thessalonians:
“As you are conducting yourselves—do so even more.”
Even more. Even when it’s hard. Even when the world resists.
Even when parts of our own hearts still hesitate.
Because let’s be honest: most of us have areas we haven’t yet surrendered to God.
We hold back. We compromise. We say, “Lord, you can have this part of me—but not that.”
But holiness is not partial.
Righteousness is not convenient.
And the Kingdom of heaven is not built on comfort.
So today, in the shadow of martyrdom and tragedy, I ask you:
What part of your life is still unsubmitted?
Where are you choosing safety over surrender?
What would it look like to walk deeper into holiness—even when it costs you?
Let us not waste the witness of John.
Let us not forget the children of Annunciation.
Let us walk with God—not halfway, but all the way.
Because righteousness may cost us comfort, reputation, even life…
But it gives us Christ.
And Christ is everything.
Lord God,
You call us to holiness, even when it costs us.
You bless those who suffer for righteousness,
and You draw near to the brokenhearted.
Create in us clean hearts.
Renew in us a spirit that does not waver.
Help us surrender what we’ve held back,
and walk boldly in Your truth.
May the witness of John the Baptist
and the memory of innocent lives lost
lead us deeper into Your Kingdom.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” —Psalm 34:18
Amen.
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