Jul 11

The Sacrifice of Faith

The death of John the Baptist is a gruesome and alarming story. Why is it included in Mark’s Gospel, and why do we read it in church? Its inclusion seems to foreshadow not only Jesus’ Passion, but also the sacrifice made by the Apostles. This story is crying out to us that the way of a Christian is the way of the Cross. Our faith requires us to stand up for what is good, even if it means that suffering will follow. Our faith is one of sacrifice. John’s death is a reminder that we follow Jesus not just to the empty tomb and to glory, but first to the Cross.

About The Author

Fr. Perry Mullins is the Rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in McKinney. He grew up an Episcopalian. During college and afterward, he worked in youth ministry in San Antonio and Austin, and then entered the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest. Fr. Perry loves preaching, teaching, and outreach, and still has a heart for children’s and youth ministries. He was called to be Rector of St. Peter’s in 2017. He is married to Sarah, and they have two children.