Today the Church celebrates the Passion of St. John the Baptist. In the past it has been called the beheading of and the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. The Gospel reading is from Mark 6, the account of why and how John the Baptist was beheaded. It is a sad and grisly story, but one that we can learn much from. I encourage you to read it.
John the Baptist is a true of example of courage under fire. I, too, find that attractive. He spoke the truth, regardless of the cost. I suppose that at some point he could have capitulated and told Herod that he really did nothing wrong. But that, in and of itself, would have been wrong. It would have been watering down the truth. John would have none of that.
Truth is truth. Lots of people don't like the truth, especially about sin. There are those who have no problem watering down the truth - soft-pedaling things to make it more palatable. Perhaps it's because they want to be liked, or don't want to seem "un-Christian." Or they'd like to preserve their own hide. To them I would say take a look at John the Baptist. The truth cost him his life. It was still not too steep a price to pay.
Father, help us to emulate John the Baptist. Help us to boldly proclaim the truth in love, regardless of the cost. Amen.
You can share the truth in one minute bites with A Minute in the Church, available at www.GusLloyd.com.
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