Who is your favorite saint? What about his or her life that struck you? How can you imitate his or her qualities in your own life? - Daily Reflections August 29,2013

A CERTAIN DYING, A CERTAIN LIVING

 

Why do we celebrate a violent and tragic event like John’s beheading? Didn’t he deserve a more honorable and meaningful death? But we have to see this in context. The real reason for his death should define it.

       Jesus also suffered a humiliating and seemingly meaningless death as far as the unbelievers were concerned. The Jews and Romans saw it as scandalous. But as far as God was concerned, Jesus died for everyone’s sake — that we may live. Christians see the crucifixion as an expression of God’s great love — love at the highest level!

       Though not on equal footing, the death of John should be defined similarly. John died proclaiming the Good News of Jesus’ coming. He became a nuisance to Herod. Aside from John’s revelation of Herod’s unfaithfulness, he was also gaining some following, which was beginning to threaten Herod’s leadership. John’s imprisonment eased the tension a bit. The request for his head was an opportunity and Herod was not able to resist it. He hoped that the death of John would dispel his fears.

       It was also the time for Jesus. John had prepared the way of Jesus. And Jesus had arrived to bring into fruition what John had lived for. John’s death, in a way, foretold of the fate of Jesus. Surely, the student is not greater than his Master. In both deaths, we see through them and beyond. To a Christian, an offering of life for God’s greater glory is not discounted. To some, it may be meaningless, absurd or scandalous. But for a Christian, it can be an expression of love and faith.

       There was a time in the history of the Catholic Church when Christians were being killed because of their faith. Many denied their faith for fear of death. But many braved the persecution and they became martyrs for the faith. In the Catholic Faith, death in the name of faith is always embraced. John’s death was not a waste. It must be celebrated. Fr. Benny Tuazon

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Who is your favorite saint? What about his or her life that struck you? How can you imitate his or her qualities in your own life?

 

Lord, You gave us the example of saints. May we live and follow in their footsteps.