Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist
As I prayed with today’s readings, I was reminded of the value and importance of human connection. Humans have an inherent desire to love and be loved.
The first reading today is a letter addressed to the small community of Christians who lived in Thessalonica. Paul and Silas spent time with the people in this place which led to their conversion to Christ. Later, Paul and Silas wondered if the relationships they formed were strong enough to forge an enduring love of God. What news would Timothy bring back about the Thessalonians? Timothy brought back news of great joy. Paul and Silas were both delighted and relieved! Despite the difficulties the community faced, there was an encouragement and a sense of support that allowed the faith of the people to persevere. Their relationships, formed with God at the center and rooted in love, ensured not only the survival of faith but its growth.
By contrast, we hear about the relationship between Herod and Herodias in the gospel. John the Baptist tried to illuminate their selfishness by calling out their unlawful marriage. Herodias, afraid of losing her position in the kingdom, harbored a grudge toward John and ordered her daughter to ask Herod for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Herod, although intrigued by and afraid of John, couldn’t overcome his vanity and ultimately sentenced him to death. The threat of John the Baptist was eliminated, but their inward focus ultimately led to their demise when their actions later antagonized the emperor and they were both banished from the kingdom in 39 A.D.
Relationships rooted in divine love will ultimately endure. John the Baptist was killed for preaching God’s message, but today we celebrate our continued relationship with him in the communion of saints. In our daily lives we know that relationships are difficult and messy but also filled with great joy. May we be the presence of God in all our relationships, especially the difficult ones, and “abound in love for one another and for all” (1 Thes 3:12).
-Jessica Gabrielli