4 February 2022
Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
It was with confidence that John pointed out Jesus to his followers as the one “more powerful than I. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Later, John was thrown into prison by Herod. Would it be an exaggeration to suggest that in the lonely blackness of his prison cell, John may have wondered why Jesus delayed in coming to his rescue? Finally, the end did come, as we see in today’s Gospel. It must have been far different from John’s human hope. In a manner following the script of a dramatic tragedy, this man of steel was put to death by a man who personified weakness.
All those present at the drama were opposed to John’s message and to his life. They were advocates of luxury, the easy life, moral depravity that found it gratifying to go with the tide. John apparently died isolated, in silence, but faithful to his mission.
To prepare myself for the ways of the Lord, I must ask him daily to give the same type of strength he so generously gave to John, reminding him that, following his call, needs strength that I cannot give to myself. I ask him also to support our politicians, educators and members of the media with the same strength to be John-like in all they do.