For what did St. John the Baptist die?

Apparently my post this morning was more appropriate to the day than I first realized.  Only an hour or two later, at Mass, Father gave a great homily in which he asked, "Why was John the Baptist martyred?  Did he die for the doctrine of the Trinity?  For the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist?"

"No," he continued.  "John the Baptist died for the true definition of marriage."

It's true.  John the Baptist was imprisoned and absolutely hated by Herod's wife because of his outspoken testimony that their marriage was not valid.

But Father continued, "What do we learn today on the memorial of John the Baptist's martyrdom?  That his death for the definition of marriage was a death for Christ.  The Church shows us that these two are linked."

It's a great message for all of us to consider today.  Our defense of the true nature and definition of marriage is linked to our defense of our faith in Christ.