Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist
(I Corinthians 2:1-5; Mark 6:17-29)
Although today’s memorial is commonly called “the martyrdom
of St. John the Baptist,” the Church uses a different title. Officially, it is the “Passion of Saint John
the Baptist.” Like the Passion of Jesus, it was an ordeal, as unjust as it was
bloody. It also affected Jesus.
John was Jesus’ mentor.
Probably Jesus stayed with him for a time before John baptized him. John’s
cruel and unwarranted death warned Jesus that doing God’s will provides no immunity
from violence. Even the authorities will
persecute one who speaks an inconvenient truth.
Jesus is aware now that the path he has chosen to travel will likely
lead to a premature death.
We see John the Baptist as a shadowy figure. His dress and his diet impel us to keep distant
from such a man. We do so at our
loss. Like Jesus’ passion, John’s does
not indicate only his suffering but also his love. John loved God above all. He recognized God’s call that he prophesy. That is, he knew his vocation was to speak
truth to power. He did not flinch and was led to glory.
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