She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the Baptist."The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, "I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist." Mark 6:24-25
Reflection:
No one likes being reminded by anyone about our sins. It pricks the conscience too much. Such was the case for John the Baptist, except he lost his head, to silence the conscience of another.
She didn't want to be reminded of what she was doing and how she was living, that would have repercussions on her family. But in the end, her choice to do away with the voice that rang loud and clear her sins, put her in the book as an example of wrong, not of right.
We have been given two examples, one by John and his declaration of the commandment to another of how they chose to live their life in sin. And the other by Jesus, who went one step further and forgave the adulterous woman her sins. Exhorting her to go and sin no more.
Out of these two examples, one chose to continue to live the sin, while the other, knowing she was forgiven, went on to live a holier life.
John the Baptist was martyrd for the kingdom of God, for speaking the truth about God's Word. What do we do to silence the voice of our conscience when we sin against God's kingdom? Do we silence the nigling thoughts of knowing what we do is wrong. Do we kill our thoughts by doing other things to silence it, so we won't feel guilty for our own actions? We are a people who do not like to be reminded from anyone, that to live the commandments is how we should live. Does that mean we are like Herodias, we refuse to listen, but instead silence the voice crying in the wilderness to repent of our sins.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
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4 comments:
It is for this very reason the ACLU wants the Ten Commandments removed from society: they are cutting off the head so that they can no longer be reminded of their sins!
Maybe someday our great big world will open their eyes.
I am reminded that Ghandi was asked why, after studying every religion on earth, he was not swayed by Christianity. His reply? "Because I've never met a Christian."
OUCH!
It makes me wonder if, after I meet someone, they can say the same thing about me. I pray not!
That reply from Ghandi, doesn't say much for the people of the world. Sad to say, none of us are perfect, but when we love as Christ loves then we find love of neighbor all the more easy to do. Why is following Jesus so very hard for so many who seek him?
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