These days, it’s very common for people to log in to platforms like Twitter/X or Facebook and “stand up for what’s right” (even though most of the time they’re sitting while they type). So writes Richard Budd, Director of Marriage and Family Life at the Catholic Diocese of Lansing. August 29, Feast of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist. Richard continues:
To be sure, it is important to speak the truth when one has the opportunity. However, today’s feast day gives us something to grapple with: truly standing for truth in the face of falsehood and ultimately evil, will require a willingness to suffer for the truth.
John the Baptist was beheaded because a weak and vain king chose not to listen to truth and was beguiled by evil. King Herod fell in love with and married his brother Phillip’s wife entering into a false and adulterous marriage which ultimately corrupted him.
John, who became the greatest of the prophets of Israel as the one who became the forerunner of Jesus, stood bravely and called Herod to repentance. He did this fully aware that this would likely mean his imprisonment, and possibly his life. Sure enough, his actions won for him the fierce anger of the queen, and ultimately, his head.
We’ve been duped in the modern world into thinking that firing off a short rebuttal in the form of a tweet means we’re being prophetic. Following in the footsteps of John the Baptist, we should consult with the Holy Spirit about what we’re being called to do. Next, we should follow the advice of the Letter of James wherein we are exhorted to “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19) Then, finally ask ourselves what actions are accompanying our words and whether or not we’re willing to suffer for what we have to say. If not, maybe it’s best to take our concern to the Lord rather than presume to be his prophet.
Saint John the Baptist, pray for us!