The Passion of the Baptist

Homily on the Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist | August 29, 2019

INTRODUCTION

Sisters and Brothers in Christ, today we commemorate the beheading of John the Baptist. The martyrdom of John is a deliberate refusal of the truth and uprightness. The prophecy of John the Baptist stood as an opportunity for Herod to enter to divine communion and heed the call of God. Herod liked listening to John. He respected and feared the Baptist. However, the call of the flesh and the show of pride takes precedence in the heart of one who choose the voice of the world than the voice of conscience.

Let us call to mind our sins and ask the Lord for mercy and pardon.

HOMILY

The Banquet Herod hosted for his birthday in our Gospel today is a banquet Bourne of pride, fame, power. A typical celebrations of powers that be that included worldly ways to celebrate. Obviously there was women-figures, the daughter of Herodias dancing steamy dance, Herodias herself signify elicit relationship. There was irresponsible use of power, dividing the kingdom for the sake of favours. Eventually, there was violence and deep running anger that killed the Baptist.

The person of Herod is a person of weak political character, and of poor discernment, and of no purpose. The misuse of power, the illicit relationship with Herodias, the irresponsible reciprocity, and the killing of a just man are born out of the poor relationship with goodness and modesty.

Today, we are reminded:

1. to aspire for the example of the Baptist who lived in simplicity, and to denounce the example of Herod who lived in unnecessary convoluted life.

2. To tell the truth and not to live in lies, and be prepared to pay the price.

3. To use the power that we have for life-giving causes,

4. to be of men and women of purpose and service.

Unlike the Banquet of Herod, the Banquet of the table of the Lord is life-giving. It is the celebration of everyone who believe, sinner and saint, men and women, the powerful and the weak. We are all the same in dignity around the table of the Lord.