29th August: Memorial of the Passion of John the Baptist — reflection

Theme: Never remain silent in the face of evil

Reading: Mk 6:17–29

Today, the Church commemorates the beheading of John the Baptist whose courageousness in the face of death and in confronting evil in the society, even in the highest places, challenges us whose society has become a breeding ground for all manners of evil, especially among those in positions of power.

What got John the Baptist behind bars was his stern condemnation of the immoral life of King Herold. Herold had married Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, who was still alive. Herold’s case involved both the sin of adultery and incest, for he was having a sexual affair with his brother’s wife.

John vehemently denounced Herold for his immoral life, numerous killings, and lust for power. John refused to allow his evangelic voice to be reduced to praise singing of those in authority; he didn’t allow his ministry to be used to consolidate the evil status quo in the society of his time; he refused to wine and dine with those who kept the people of God in bondage.

John leaves for us a path to follow in our various vocations, ministries, services to the society. We have seen how many of our men and women of God have turned themselves into the PROs of many people in government, singing their praises even when their hands are covered with the blood of innocent citizens. John challenges us not to allow our voices to be bought by anyone in the society; he urges us to speak out against evil even if it means losing our sources of income and our lives.

John also admonishes those who criticize and attack religious leaders for condemning the wicked actions of political leaders to understand that it is the spiritual duty of religious leaders to serve as the conscience of society’s leaders.

St John the Baptist, pray for us

Fr Isaac C. Chima