HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF THE MARTYRDOM OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

Homily for Monday of the 22nd week in the ordinary time year II (Memorial of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist). 

Jeremiah 1:17-29; Mark 6:17-29.

Today, the Holy Mother Church celebrates the memorial of the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, the forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is so special a saint whom the church revers both at the circumstance of his birth and that of his death. 

John the Baptist, died a martyr for his courageous proclamation of the truth of the indissolubility of marriage. A reaffirmation of the teachings of Jesus on marriage: “They are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, whatever God has joined together, let no man put asunder” (Mt 19:6). John the Baptist, declared that it was not lawful for King Herod to take his brother Philip's wife (Herodias), while his brother Philip was still alive (Mk 6:17-18). Maintaining that it was against the commandment of God, He reproached king Herold for such an atrocious and unacceptable act. Although he was mindful of the disastrous consequences that will befall him for rebuking the king, he insisted on the truth, and this did cost him his life. John the Baptist was a man of courage who stood resolutely for the cause of truth. He preferred death to falsehood. He lived for the truth and died for it. He could not ignore his conscience just for the sake of living. After all, what living is worthier than living eternally?

Beloved in Christ, let's remember, the word of God tells us that whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (Mt 16:25). Today, the church celebrates in the company of the angels and saints, this outstanding champion and model of the truth.

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, John the Baptist stood up for the truth that remains in tandem with the doctrine of the church on marriage: The teaching on the Indissolubility of sacramental marriage when it is consummated. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (no 1660) and Gaudium et Spes (48,1) educate us that Indissolubility, the incapacity of being dissolved, is the truth of giving. It is the joyous affirmation that nuptial love is not at the mercy of spouses' mood, nor of the unforeseeable good or bad circumstances spouses may face, nor of the changing ideas or perceptions they may have of the intimate communion of life and love they are given to live. It means that the spousal love of a man and a woman can continue to grow and spouses can be faithful throughout the vicissitudes of married life. 

This is the truth that the church teaches and that which John the Baptist testified to with his life. Friends in Christ, in conjunction with the Church,  we too must proclaim relentlessly the truth of the indissolubility of marriage, for we live in perilous times, where many human factors (domestic violence, cheating, deceit, divorce etc) are wreaking havoc to the values of marriage and family life; We must stand up for the truth in the face of evil and courageously speak truth to power. In the first reading, the word of God assures all those who bear witness to the truth of His endless support and security in all catastrophes. "They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you" (Jer.1:19). Friends in Christ, We must be ready to endure suffering for the sake of preaching the truth of the kingdom of God. 

We pray that the good Lord will grant us his graces to constantly stand out as courageous ministers of the truth, come rain come shine; and also increase in love and fidelity for married couples.

Have a grace-filled day!

Fr Remi osj