HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME/The beheading of John the Baptist

Homily for Friday of the 4th week in Ordinary time

Hebrews 13:1-8; Mark 6:14-29

*The spirit of Christianity is the spirit of love

The beheading of John the Baptist 

In today's liturgy of the word, the author of the letter to the Hebrews gave lasting recommendations to all Christians, reminding us that the spirit of Christianity is a spirit of love. 

Firstly, it recommends: "Let mutual love continue" (Heb 13:1). This is a re-affirmation of commands of Jesus: " I give you a new commandment, 'Love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34). Secondly, it recommends: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers" (Heb 13:2), for Charity will be the anchor of judgement on the last day. Thirdly, it mandates us to "remember those who are in prison and those who are ill treated, since we all form one body (Heb 13:3) . Fourthly, it recommends that marriage be honoured and kept undefiled, for God will judge fornication and adulterers (Heb 13:4). The church in this regard had progressed positively the teachings on the dignity of the human person, love, respect, dignity of marriage etc. Fiftly, it recommends: "keep your lives free from the love of Money, and be content with what you have" (Heb 13:5). Lastly, it tells us: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Heb 13:8). This reminds us of the unchangeability of God, even if the human person changes.  Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away" (Mk 13:31).

The Gospel reading speaks of the beheading of John the Baptist.  A man of conscience, who was arrested and put in prison (Mk 6:17) because he spoke courageously to power, saying to king Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife" (Mk 6:18). He spoke up and was not silent in the face of evil. He stood out as a minister of truth notwithstanding the precarious nature. For this he was gruesomely murdered by having his head beheaded at the birthday party of the King. 

The narrative exposed Hero's Antipas as one who was not courageous to admit his fault.  He did not repent of his sins after listen to the voice of truth from John the Baptist.  He was not a man of conscience. Hence, he did not allow the truth to set him free. 

Beloved in Christ, if we repent of our sins , God will forgive them and grant us righteousness. God speaks to us in depth of our consciences, through the sacred ministers, through the sacred Scriptures and the church etc. Do we embrace conversion, repentance and metanoia?

We pray this day that God may continue to nurture our consciences to be docile to the truth offer to us in Christ Jesus. 

May God bless his words in our hearts both now and forevermore.  Amen

Fr Remi osj