Inspiration from suffering
On Friday, 29th August, the church remembered the death of John the Baptist (Read Mark 6). In my personal devotions, I reflected on the individual suffering that many are experiencing at present. In the suffering of St. John the Baptist, we can find inspiration for ourselves.
The suffering and death of St John the Baptist closely parallel those of Jesus. They were cousins. John was one of the first to acknowledge the presence of our Lord when he leapt for joy in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth. John lived a holy and simple life, embracing His mission to prepare the way for the Lord. We should not be the least bit surprised that John’s suffering and death paralleled the death of Jesus.
Herod was frightened of John; he imprisoned him with a certain regret, knowing that he was innocent. Similarly, Pilate condemned Jesus to death; he knew Jesus was innocent yet allowed fear to direct his choice to condemn our Lord.
John was killed because of the hatred and plotting of Herodias; her anger became a weapon, forcing Herod to put John to death. Similarly, it was the jealousy and anger of the religious leaders at that time that instigated and drove the death of Jesus. In the end, the good fruit of Jesus’ death infinitely overshadowed the crime that was committed against Him, so also with John. We can be sure that, as a martyr, the blood he shed as a witness to Christ bore spiritual fruit that surpassed all he had done in his public ministry.
Each of us is called to imitate our Lord and, therefore, should also take inspiration from St John the Baptist. They both were innocent but suffered greatly. They both spoke the truth, despite the hatred of some. They both gave their lives in accord with the Father’s plan.
Think about the invitation God has given to you to imitate the life of John the Baptist by uniting yourself to the Lord. The first imitation is you committing yourself to proclaiming the truth in your life. What mission or purpose has God given to you? How is He calling you to proclaim the Gospel with courage, strength, determination and faithfulness?
Reflect, also, upon the injustice inflicted first upon St. John the Baptist and then upon our Lord. As you do, try to look at any injustice you have received in life in the light of their lives. They did not run away from injustice. They embraced it as a sacrifice and offered it to the Father in Heaven. The most comforting knowledge is that Jesus’ sacrifice brought forth the Salvation of the World; St. John the Baptist shared in that offering. Make your offering with them, and do not hesitate to do so with deep love and trust in the Father’s plan.
Every Blessing
Father Paul