Prophetic Voice

Today’s Gospel Text:  King Herod heard of it; for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him." 15 But others said, "It is Eli'jah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." 16 But when Herod heard of it he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised." 17 For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Hero'di-as, his brother Philip's wife; because he had married her. 18 For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19 And Hero'di-as had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. 21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Hero'di-as' daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it." 23 And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." 24 And she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the baptizer." 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. Mark 6:14-29

Reflection: Why did John the Baptist have to face the brunt of persecution and ultimately have to be beheaded by Herod, the king?

John the Baptist could have had it much easy and could have lived a life of much more comfort in the midst of the hard uncomfortable lifestyle he had already opted for; a lifestyle of self-sacrifice for the sake of the kingdom of God.

What was the reason? Why then was he persecuted, by being put in prison and then beheaded?

The scripture reveals to us the reason:  John the Baptist had spoken thus to Herod; "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."  And Hero'di-as had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him.”

Was it really John the Baptist’s job to confront Herod with the truth? Were there no Priests or Scribes or Pharisees and who knew how to confront the non-threatening Jesus concerning matters of faith? Were there not the High priest and his cohorts too who could have done this job of confronting Herod?

Sometimes in life too and even in our generations when people in authority are so involved in their worldly pursuits and gains, seeking to please one another, that someone ordinary, like John the Baptist has to come forward and confront the situation.

There are times, when even those whose duty and responsibility to do so sit in condemnation over the one who has taken over the prophetic role like John the Baptist and condemn them.

The fact that the scripture reveals to us that the disciple of John came and took his body, only shows the lack of fanfare and protest, even from people of high ranking, whether in the courts of Herod or the High priests office.

Yet when it comes to giving a discourse on justice  or about fighting for corruption or human rights these would wax eloquent about such matters and even give the simple laity a piece of their mind. And to avoid any persecution they will hunt in packs or hide behind the women or institutions which gives them safety, protection and a sense of legitimacy. 

Prayer: Lord, teach me to live the prophetic life revealed through your servant John the Baptist.

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