Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist
Today is the Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist through which we honor the prophet, the ‘forerunner’ or ‘precursor’, of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. When I think about John the Baptist, images of a bold, powerful, single minded, and somewhat eccentric fellow come to mind. In reality, John may be one of the best witnesses to the power choosing to be weak—choosing faith in the power and wisdom of God.
Today’s Scriptures prominently consider the weakness of human beings—good and not so good. The Gospel passage of St. Mark relates Herod’s decision to murder John the Baptist at the request of Herodias. Herod, having backed himself into a corner, follows through on his absurd promise to grant Herodias whatever she wishes and orders John beheaded. Herod is certainly acting out of weakness—fear and pride and misplaced desires. Even as he orders the murder, he realizes how wrongheaded and unwise his decision is. On the other hand, in the verses from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul actually celebrates his weakness and lack of wisdom. “I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom….I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling…” declares Paul. This weakness of which Paul boasts is the very same as that of St. John the Baptist. This variety of human weakness is the result of faith—the faith that rests “not on human wisdom but on the power of God.” I, also, am asked to rely on God’s power and wisdom rather than my own. As a disciple of Jesus, this comes as great news!!
Christian discipleship is an arduous journey. Discipleship day in and day out can be wearing and it is a choice that must be made anew each and every day. It means consciously acknowledging my limited nature and God’s unlimited power and then living that particular day in the context of that reality. That is precisely how St. John and St. Paul lived. It is this particular brand of weakness which bears witness to the power of the Living God. By the grace of God, I will choose weakness on this day. And as the day unfolds, may this weakness, in some small way, testify to the wisdom and power of God.
--Gail Lyman