R. Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The tragedy of the Passion of John the Baptist has been portrayed in music, dance and art. But in the gospels, the Passion of John the Baptist points to the Passion of the Lord Jesus. So, when the cost of discipleship goes up, it’s always good to remember that God never forgets. The Beatitudes are the promise that being a disciple, following in the footsteps of Jesus, is what it’s all about: Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.