Today is the Feast of the Passion of St. John the Baptist. The Gospel reading from Mark 6 recounts the story.
John was thrown into prison by Herod because he (John) had the audacity to speak truth to power and call out that Herod's marriage was unlawful. Herod throws a banquet where his (illicit) wife's daughter performs a dance that delighted Herod. He says she can ask for anything and, in counsel with her mother, she asks for the head of John the Baptist, which was brought to her on a platter. Macabre stuff, no?
I'm always struck by the fact that John could have easily recanted, surely saving his life. But he decided that standing for truth was more important than his head on a platter. It makes me wonder if I would have that same kind of courage - to stand for the truth, even if it cost me my head. One can only hope...
Father, give us the strength of conviction of St. John the Baptist. Help us to always stand for truth and righteousness, even if it means our head on a platter. Amen.
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