LIVE THE FAITH WITHOUT COUNTING THE COST
Today’s Gospel gives us an account of the passion of St. John the Baptist, particularly his beheading. It was a short stint for John, but he fulfilled his mission to prepare the way for the Lord. His death was tragic because it was the prize for a dance of a girl whose mother had an axe to grind against John. John accused Herodias, the mother of the girl, of having an illicit relationship with the king. Herodias was married to the brother of the king. Herodias took the opportunity to eliminate John and silence him for good.
Can truth be really silenced by killing the messenger? History shows it cannot. Christianity progressed even after Jesus’ death. The Filipinos became more courageous and vocal at the death of Ninoy Aquino. The Philippine Revolution became more intense at the death of Jose Rizal. Tyrants, dictators, despots, and other abusive leaders never learned their lesson. The truth comes alive when messengers are silenced. The message becomes even louder.
That is the life and call of a Christian. To fearlessly proclaim the Good News in season and out of season is part of the mission and vocation of every baptized Christian. We tremble in fear for that mission and call, but God will give us the grace to go through those challenges. Like the saints, we will have the grace to fight and die for the faith. While we will not all be called to die for the faith, to die for oneself will definitely be required of us.
As we remember St. John the Baptist and all the Christians who offered their lives for the faith, let us pray for today’s Christians to respond to the call to proclaim the Good News at whatever cost. Fr. Benny Tuazon
---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------
How are you being like John the Baptist today?
Grant me the courage of John the Baptist, Lord, that I may be Your voice in today’s wilderness. Amen.
Today, I pray for: __________________________
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