Jeremiah 26:11-16,24
Psalm 68(69):15-16,30-31,33-34
Matthew 14:1-12
DO NOT WORRY IF YOU ARE PERSECUTED FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST
Today’s Gospel selection from St. Matthew, announces the popularity of Jesus which continues to spread to all parts of Israel and has reached the royal court Matthew at the same time recounts the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist at the hands of this weak-willed and petty king.
Herod was a pawn of an unscrupulous wife of his brother; he allowed himself to become enraptured by the party-dancing of Herodias’ daughter. He was so taken up by the party, the people present, and the dancing of his daughter, Herod publicly promised her anything – even swearing regarding his intentions! The outcome was a tragedy.
John the Baptist was murdered per the request of Herodias relayed through her daughter, beheaded as the party ended. John’s heroic life tragically ended as a victim of humanness, weakness, and sinfulness. a saga of religious dedication and heroism meeting basic human nature.
John the Baptist was a man completely absorbed in the person of Jesus Christ. He had one mission: to point out Jesus to others. The persons, John the Baptist and Jesus, go “hand in hand” … giving of themselves in sacrificial love.
Like John the Baptist, we are called to speak the truth and to point out Jesus in our world, to unselfishly love and serve the Lord, day by day, even in the hum-drum times of everyday life.
Our love for Jesus is to be expressed in simple, practical ways like hospitality, concern for the needy, faithfulness to our vocations, detachment from things, and reliance on God. Our lives may not appear “heroic” as portrayed by the Baptister, yet we are to give ourselves completely to God in ways both great and small.
What challenges do we face as we point out Jesus in our world? Do we stand for the truth against different oppositions? Do we at times “get carried away” by people or situations? What helps us maintain our strength and perspective?
Christ has paid the price for our sins by laying his life for us.
He took the wrath that is upon us upon himself and in exchange, he has given us righteousness. Turn to Jesus for he has already paid the price. So hold on to the righteousness of Christ and stay faithful to him for there is a cost for being a true disciple.
Fr Joseph Osho
