Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist
(I
Thessalonians 2:1-8; Mark 6:17-29)
The novel Lord of the Flies
relates how a group of schoolboys survive a shipwreck on a deserted island. They have to rely on their wits for survival.
At first they work together and establish a rescue plan. Not long afterwards, however, two factions
develop. Soon members of one faction
hunt down those of the other. The drama’s point, it seems, is that people by
nature treat others cruelly, at least when no one is looking. Many reject this base opinion of human
nature, but often enough human atrocities occur that defy its dismissal. The story of John the Baptist's beheading gives
an air of plausibility to a gloomy opinion of humanity.
Herod recognizes John as "righteous and holy." The gospel today sounds almost as if he wants to keep John close-by to provide spiritual guidance. But as aware as Herod is to John's virtue, he cannot rise above his own pride. Because he promises Herodias' daughter anything that she asks, he executes the eminently honorable man in order to appear true to his word. A decent person would have apologized for his foolhardy promise and disciplined the youngster for her outrageous request.
We are wise not to deny our capacity to sin grievously and to thank God every day that we have avoided offending Him. It is His grace, given through Christ, which turns us from wounded human nature into people who love and desire true good.
