The Passion of St John the Baptist
"Mk 6:17-29"
Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; because he had married her. For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 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.
It's surprising that Herod was glad to hear St John reprimanding him, isn't it? He was putting the truth across. But that can be done in many ways. The truth doesn't have to be harsh, cruel or rude. We tend to imagine St John shouting at Herod for his immoral life but that couldn't be the case if the king "heard him gladly" as we read in the Gospel. It's interesting also to see that St John did take the trouble to admonish Herod. For most of the Jews Herod was a 'hopeless case'. Why bother to yell at such a wicked king? Because everyone can change. Great sinners have become great saints.
In the film 'Batman Begins' (2005), Bruce Wayne had done many wrong things in the past. His loyal butler, Alfred, wants to encourage him with a lesson his father gave to him: "Why do we fall, sir?" asks Alfred. And he himself gives the answer: "So that we can learn to pick ourselves up." Bruce smiles at his faithful butler and asks, "You still haven't given up on me?" And Alfred's reply also comes with a smile: "Never!" Just like the faithful Alfred, God never gives up on anyone.
Doctor Bernard Nathanson was responsible for over 75,000 abortions; a 'hopeless case'. But God touched his heart one day when he saw a group of pro-life people praying for him and for the unborn children. He thought about what he was doing and changed radically. He became the most well-known pro-life supporter and converted to Catholicism. He died at the age of 84, having spent the rest of his life defending the unborn, speaking the truth boldly - like the Baptist - and changing and saving many lives. Many would have given up on him... but not God. God had a great plan for him. Holy Mary, Refuge of sinners, help me to speak the truth with courage and with love, without giving up.
