FRIDAY, TWENTY FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of the Passion of John the Baptist
Jer 1:17-19 Ps 71:1-6,15,17 Mk 6:17-29
FAITH FREES US FROM FEAR
Today’s Gospel contrasts the courage of John with the fear of Herod. John was a simple man with simple needs and a simple lifestyle. He lived to preach repentance and to prepare the way for the Lord. Those who heard him, repented and were baptized by him. John proclaimed the truth boldly, and was courageous even before kings and princes. He even confronted Herod about marrying his brother’s wife. Herod on the other hand was afraid. He was afraid of losing his reputation, his position or influence as ruler. He used his power to do things that were evil but also to protect himself. He imprisoned John to ensure that John did not undermine his authority. The contrast here is between one person who trusts God and is free to live boldly as compared to the other who trusts in human power, and yet lives in fear of losing everything.
The Gospel ends with Herod killing John because of this fear. John’s freedom is rewarded by death. How do we understand this? Jesus said “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt 10:28). To love and fear God is to live in truth, to live boldly because our life does not end with this world. Jesus says “I am the way, the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6). The exhortation of the Lord is to not fear the evil in this world, but to follow Him who is the way, the truth and the life. To trust God is to follow him without fear of what happens to our body, because our soul is more important than our body. Following Jesus in faith and courage is the only way to ensure our soul is truly free.
Response: My mouth will tell of your salvation, Lord.
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