The WORD in other words (2022) by Fr Lino Nicasio SVD – St Jude Thaddeus Shrine Manila
Beheading of Saint John the Baptist – August 29
Photo: Sanctuary Backdrop of Paroisse Sainte Trinité, Kinshasa, Congo
One of Frank Sinatra”s songs, a favorite of karaoke/videoke singers, is “My Way.” It opens with:
“And now, the end is near,
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case of which I’m certain.”
If I may apply the song to the situation of John the Baptist, this is what he was certain of as he himself approached his final curtain: it was not lawful for Herod to marry Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip.
What can we learn from Herod? He believed John was right but did not do anything about it. Herod was told the truth by someone he feared and knew to be a holy man, only to reject the truth and continue the wrongdoing.
When we realize our mistakes, faults, wrongdoings, and sins, what do we do? Do we ignore, reject and even try to forget them? Or do we humbly say, as the publican did: “O God, be merciful to me a sinner!” And then we do the right thing. Poor Herod!
As for Herodias, she harbored a grudge against John and even wanted to kill him. Here we see the consequences of rejecting the truth of one’s wrongdoing. She began to harbor a grudge, which she allowed to grow each day until it led to thoughts of murder.
This is a grim reminder to those who get angry with others and allow their anger to deepen into grudges, resentments, and ill feelings. Such a condition can worsen and lead to revenge, complete with violence and the like. God forbid such to happen. A better way is repentance and forgiveness, and even reconciliation. Difficult? Yes, but consider the possible negative consequences if we persist in our vengeful anger. Poor Herodias!
Finally, was Saint John the Baptist a loser, having lost his head and life?
Absolutely not, for John witnessed to the truth with principled courage, giving glory to God by his steadfastness, thereby honoring and witnessing to Jesus who is the Truth. His death earned him the praise of Christ and opened for John the Kingdom of heaven. Saint John the Baptist, you’re a winner! Pray for us always.
