Reflection/Homily for Tuesday of the 21st week in ordinary time Memorial of the passion or beheading Saint John the Baptist 29th August 2023,

Homily for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time. 

Memorial of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. 

Jeremiah 1:17-19. Psalm 71:1-2,3-4a,6-6ab,16l5ab,17. Mark 6:17-29.

Today, we recall the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Lord. His death hints at the future fate of Jesus and some of his disciples who will also die witnessing the truth. He is the only saint who is honoured by the Catholic Church on both the occasion of his birth and of his death. Today's passage from St. Mark's Gospel narrates the details of John's martyrdom within the context of the evil schemes that were planned in order to silence him.

Herod ordered his execution as recorded in today's Gospel. Herod is one of the most pitiful individuals in the Gospel. Despite the position of Herod's authority, John preached repentance, not fearing the rich or the powerful. His message of truth justice and truth is blind to person(s) in front of him; the One who sent him is more important. He bore in his heart God's counsel to the prophet Jeremiah in the first reading: "Gird up your loins, arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them. And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, ..... , for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you" (Jer.1:17-19).

The Lord asks for our fortitude on a daily basis. He wants our exemplary life and words to be a simple witness of our love for Christ and for his Church without our ever giving in to fear or human respect. 

In addition to Herod's approval for John's execution beginning with his arrest ordered by him, John's martyrdom was also made possible by a conspiracy of silence by all who partook in Herod's birthday party. Herod could not swallow his pride by questioning and refusing the request of Herodias' daughter; Herodias soaked herself in resentment towards John for his saying the truth for not choosing what is right for her daughter instead she took advantage of the moment to sow the seed of resentfulness in her daughter. The daughter could not refuse her mother's evil request, and neither were the guards courageous enough to say no to such an evil command. Finally, the guests had the moral responsibility to rebuke the king for accepting such an evil request from a young girl.

Evil thrives when good people refuse to speak and stand for the truth, and that led to the martyrdom of John. We should learn not to allow our egos and resentment or our quest for revenge to lead us to actions that will hunt us forever the way the death of John hunted Herod.

May God grant us the gift of fortitude to always speak the truth and stand for the truth through Christ our Lord. Amen.