HOMILY OF TUESDAY IN THE 21ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Mark 6:17-29
THEME: THE DELICATE SIDE OF SPEAKING THE TRUTH
It is a crime to be silent in the face of evil. It is equally evil to conceal the truth while lie takes the day. If we speak the truth we shall die, and if we do not speak the truth, we shall die likewise. John the Baptist spoke the truth and it cost him his head. Herod put him in prison because he opposed his marriage with Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.
It is always delicate to correct those who are not ready to change. Herodias in her soft spot for adultery was never ready to listen to the voice of truth. He saw John as a conscience prick, meant to be eliminated, and she used the occasion of Herod’s birthday to achieve her devilish aim, using the opportunity that came through her daughter after she has danced to the admiration of the king.
The beheading of John the Baptist is a reminder of the price of speaking the truth to power. In a world, where people hardly want to be corrected, those who stand for the truth must be ready to pay the price. In life, nothing is easy. Even grace is a not a free gift. Jesus paid for it by his own life. He is the way, the truth and life.
May our words and life lead others to the way of truth. Amen.
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