Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

31As for my God, his way is undefiled. The eloquence of the Lord has been examined by fire. He is the protector of all who hope in him.

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47The Lord lives, and blessed is my God, and may the God of my salvation be exalted:

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50Because of this, O Lord, I will confess to you among the nations, and I will compose a psalm to your name:

51magnifying the salvation of his king, and showing mercy to David, his Christ, and to his offspring, even for all time.

14And king Herod heard of it, (for his name had become well-known) and he said: “John the Baptist has risen again from the dead, and because of this, miracles are at work in him.” 15But others were saying, “Because it is Elijah.” Still others were saying, “Because he is a prophet, like one of the prophets.” 16When Herod had heard it, he said, “John whom I beheaded, the same has risen again from the dead.” 17For Herod himself had sent to capture John, and had chained him in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip; for he had married her. 18For John was saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19Now Herodias was devising treachery against him; and she wanted to kill him, but she was unable. 20For Herod was apprehensive of John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and so he guarded him. And he heard that he was accomplishing many things, and so he listened to him willingly. 21And when an opportune time had arrived, Herod held a feast on his birthday, with the leaders, and the tribunes, and the first rulers of Galilee. 22And when the daughter of the same Herodias had entered, and danced, and pleased Herod, along with those who were at table with him, the king said to the girl, “Request from me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 23And he swore to her, “Anything that you request, I will give to you, even up to half my kingdom.” 24And when she had gone out, she said to her mother, “What shall I request?” But her mother said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25And immediately, when she had entered with haste to the king, she petitioned him, saying: “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26And the king was greatly saddened. But because of his oath, and because of those who were sitting with him at table, he was not willing to disappoint her. 27So, having sent an executioner, he instructed that his head be brought on a platter. 28And he beheaded him in prison, and he brought his head on a platter. And he gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it her mother. 29When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and they placed it in a tomb.