Readings
I - Jer. 1: 17-19
II - Mk. 6: 17-29
BEHEADING OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
The Church today remembers the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, the last prophet of the Old Testament and the forerunner of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. St. John the Baptist was simple, that he had no pomp and glory in his living; straightforward in pointing the pointing the mistakes of the people be it even a king and steadfast in preparing the way of the Lord through his baptism of conversion. He was beheaded because he was outright in pointing the mistake of the Herod that it was not right for Herod to live with his brother’s wife. This truth hurt Herodias badly and she waited for a chance to outlet her vengeance and rightly utilised also the opportunity in instigating her daughter. Though Herod knew that St. John the Baptist was right and holy man, he gave in to his ego and cowardice. Herodias’ daughter also had her share in this beheading, her failure to discern and decide about her gift.
We can draw four lessons from the beheading of St. John the Baptist: one, the courage of St. John the Baptist to stand for the truth come what may, even if it cost our life; two, never let vengeance flag at the cost of the destruction of the other; three, have courage to stand up for the right subduing ego and finally, make discernment at every juncture of life. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. John the Baptist, Pray for us”
