Martyrdom of John the Baptist

The outcry over the death of the Baptist had to have been great. Certainly the Disciples of John the Baptists would have denounced the killing, as would have a number of the religious leaders. Herod probably justified his action on security reasons. Today's feast reminds us al of how often those who speak what is true or good, are often pushed aside or silenced. It is an evil of our nature to manipulate that which makes us feel uncomfortable.

In very small matters we ignore or even try to justify persons rudeness, hostility, anger, or aggression, by calling them 'strong-willed,' or 'determined.' But in larger matters we sometimes try to avoid confronting evil or sinfulness by ignoring the activity or changing or behaviour so as to fit in with the brokenness and dysfunction. We see this in families, institutions, and in societies. Sadly the situation ends up in a major crisis or confrontation.

Herod is committing adultery with his Sister-in-Law. Now who is going to confront the king? Of course this kind of behaviour started early in life with Herod, this was probably nothing new. But John the Baptist cannot ignore the Evil here. John confronts Herod, and the entire royal family per se. This makes everyone very uncomfortable.

Today we do not do a lot of talking about social justice, substance abuse, or the effects of poverty on children and the elderly. We rarely see a news report detailing the scandal of poverty and hunger in Sudan and Kenya. Thes are real tragedies that are happening in our day. The challenge of John the Baptist is to have the courage and strength to identify brokenness, Sin, and Evil. By our faith, how do I make a response to the suffering and injustice that I see around me?

To be sure, we cannot 'do something' about every situation we see or know about. But an awareness certainly helps us to respond by how we use or resources and wealth, informing us how to vote, and makes us more attentive towards what is really important.

There is a saying that begins, "The main thing is to know what the main thing is." Recognizing the Truth certainly helps us focus on the 'Main Thing.'