It is 29th August 2020. We celebrate the memorial of the Beheading of St John the Baptist. The readings are from Jeremiah 1:17-19; and the Mark 6:17-29.
Truth sterilizes the soul. Knowing, loving, and following the Truth will make us to reach God. People who live a compromised life are afraid to face the messengers of truth. Truth does not need a palace to live but a person. Standing for truth means to take a stand for God. Truth never gets polarised unless mingled and filtered the people of lies.
As we celebrate the memorial of John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Truth, we need to abide by truth not just accommodating it. Truth is a fire in the human heart, and it gets ignited with the clear consciences.
Many people have been sacrificed, martyred and murdered for truth. But we cannot with all our power in the world kill the truth. Truth need not be dug out in the valleys and meadows of human life. It sprouts and springs up in a well moisture humanity. Truth outlives time and test of humanity.
In the first reading God promises the prophet Jeremiah that God stands by him for standing for truth. He need not be ashamed of standing for truth amidst a bunch of liars. “They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you to deliver you.” (Jer.1:19).
The responsorial Psalm praises, “I will sing your salvation.” (Ps.70).
The Gospel describes the martyrdom of John the Baptist who was able to tickle conscience of those who listened to him. Truth not only purifies but also renews and reforms the perspectives of life one is leading. Giving life for truth is not once choice always. Truth consumes the one who listens with purity of heart but when there is a resistance in accepting the truth, it pays with revenge. Truth does not have eyes, but it has a penetrating presence with piercing conscience. Truth is the light of our existence and it shines even when humanity has chosen to have a shutdown and a shortage of all human resources. Truth warms up love, dispels the darkness of our lives and truth sets us free. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (Jn.8:31,32). May God always help us to be truthful and bearers of truth. Have a lovely day. God bless you.