Readings: Jeremiah 26:11-16,24, Ps. 69:15-16,30-31,33-3, Matthew 14:1-12
“Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” (Matthew 14:3-4)
Jeremiah and John the Baptist had something in common: they were not afraid of the establishment, they were not afraid of people, they spoke the truth, and they were willing to die in defence of the truth.
- Jeremiah was a young prophet when he had to confront an assembly of priests and prophets far ahead of him. John the Baptist was also probably in his thirties, and he faced Herod, the king, to tell him it was not lawful for him to take his brother’s wife and live in an adulterous manner.
- Prophesying is not the same as giving a merely motivational speech. There is an aspect of prophecy that causes discomfort to its listeners. Preaching truth takes work. Anyone determined to take this path must be prepared for death.
- Surprisingly, this persecution does not always come from unbelievers (outsiders to the faith). Persecution also comes from within, from those who appear closer to God. This is the scandal we see in the case of Jeremiah. While the prophets and priests “sentenced him to death,” the princes (civil authorities) were the ones who came to Jeremiah’s defence. What an irony!
- In our society today, there are too many Herods who believe they can do anything: take any woman or man they want, tell any lie, steal any amount they wish to, etc. They even brag, saying nobody, not even the Supreme Court, can stop them. Like Herod, they may kill the body, but they can never kill the truth.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to tell the truth even when it means death. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday of week 17 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Jeremiah 26:11-16,24, Ps. 69:15-16,30-31,33-3, Matthew 14:1-12).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu