Speak the truth always because it is right to do so

1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Mark 6:17-29

There is a quote by Marcus Aurelius which says, “ if it is not right, do not do. If it is not true, do not say it. This quote summarises my whole reflection of today.

Today, we remember the death of John the Baptist, the forerunner and cousin of Jesus. In the history of the world, great men and women or visionary leaders are sometimes persecuted and killed because they stand up for what is right.

The death of John the Baptist seem very painful and humiliating but today, the church honour him for his courage and faithfulness to God.

Our gospel of today presents to us the wrong choices made by three groups of people in a bid to silence the truth. We saw Herod who had John arrested for being honest and for speaking the truth. He was afraid of John, knowing him to be a good and holy man, and gave him his protection .

Herodias was angry with John and had him beheaded by Herod to keep the promise made to her daughter, when she danced and her dancing pleases Herod. The daughter of Herodias seek for her mother’s advice on what to request from Herod after being promised half of his kingdom and she asked for the head of John the Baptist (Mark 6:17-29).

All these choices are a bid to silence the truth and righteousness of John the Baptist. Truth speaks for itself, even if we like it or not. The truth is always bitter and seem offensive to those who are immoral. It is not pleasant because our human nature is usually controlled by our appetites and cravings for mundane things.

For us, in all the dramas of life, the pleasures and the things that thrill us, what counts will be our faithfulness to God. Speaking the truth mattered to St. John the Baptist, it should matter to us too. To die for the truth is to live forever.

Let us imitate John today and stand for justice, though it will cost us our life. Let us not be afraid to speak out for others in the faces of oppression, for the truth alone will set us free. Peace be with you.