Thursday – Passion of John the Baptist

Gospel – Mark 6:17-29

Speak The Truth

Church of John the Baptist, Ein Karem

In one episode of the long-running sci-fi series, Doctor Who gives what amounts to a closing speech to his companions.  The words that ring ‘true’ today are these:

Never be cruel.  Never be cowardly.  Hate is always foolish.  Love is always wise. Speak the truth and be kind. Always try to be nice but never fail to be kind.

John the Baptist does indeed speak the truth but it certainly does not come across as kind.  He is blunt and to the point, telling people what they need to hear, not what they want to hear.  It is a necessary part of his mission to call people back to repentance.  And that is what he is doing with Herod, telling him in no uncertain terms that marrying his brother’s wife is wrong!

Herod seems to be on the other side of the truth, saying only what he thinks people want to hear.  He is interested only in his popularity and his power.  He is a prideful man, only concerned with his image and his reputation.  In the end, even though he seems to be drawn to John’s words, he gives in to his baser temptations and fears and has John beheaded.

We seem to be living in a world where truth is abundant (the truth is out there) but acknowledging it is in very short supply and where actually speaking and living a truthful life is sadly lacking. Whether it’s out of fear or pride, we falter at times.  Face it, we are all imperfect beings.  But even today John the Baptist calls us to repentance! 

Life is full of choices.  Some days we do well, like John the Baptist.  Other days, we act poorly and fall victim to our own selfish desires and whims, like Herod.  We are reminded today to not allow ourselves to fall victim to our own passions and greed, not to cloud the truth with our own selfish desires.  We are called to acknowledge our sins and seek forgiveness.  We are called to seek the truth, speak the truth and live the truth.  We pray today to the Creator for the strength and the grace to follow the Lord who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

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