May the Lord fill you with grace and bless you with health and happiness.
It is 29th August 2022. We celebrate the Passion of Saint John the Baptist. We reflect on Jeremiah 1:17-19 and Mark 6:17-29.
When an innocent and good person suffers and sacrificed for the pleasure and power of the one person, we are dump-found and benumbed. The first reading strengthens us by the promise of God standing by us in situations like this. “They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.” (Jer.1:19).
Killing of John, the Baptist for covering up the immoral life of the king is not a onetime episode. It is continuing in our families, communities, and countries. Immoral Herodias, power mongering Herods, and appeasing children are still around. Standing for the values of the Kingdom of God, truth and justice could cost our lives. The story has more resemblance of Jezebel, the wicked queen who mesmerised king to covet the property of Naboth by falsely accusing him and executed him.
No matter what it takes, it is better to live a life of truth and purity. Living our faith demands courage to bear witness and spread the Good News even amidst death and desperation. Let us not afraid of people who put pleasure in front of everything. The similarity of the sacrifice of Jesus and John the Baptist propels us to live for God.
Are we using or sacrificing our children and status in life for our pleasure, power, and growth? May God help us to always bear witness without fear and in integrity. May God bless you.