Message of Abbot Paul - Saturday 5th August 2023

Message from Fr Paul for Saturday, 5th August 2023

 It was really uplifting again yesterday to follow events as they take place at World Youth Day. I wonder how the Holy Father manages; at times he looks to be so tired and in pain. No doubt the good Lord protects him and gives him strength to continue. Let’s keep praying for him, and for all the young people gathered together with him in Lisbon, that they might grow and mature as fervent Christians, full of faith, hope and love.

 Our Gospel passage today comes from Matthew, (Mt 14: 1-12), and tells the sad tale of the martyrdom of St John the Baptist. Matthew tells us the story as Herod the tetrarch was convinced that Jesus was really John risen from the dead. Herod, who had John put to death for a rash oath he had made to a pretty girl, who had danced for him and his court at his birthday party. There are a number of similar stories in the Old Testament. How irrational men become when in their cups. It’s a horrific tale, but here it is. “Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had told him, ‘It is against the Law for you to have her.’ He had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet. Then, during the celebrations for Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. Prompted by her mother she said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head, here, on a dish.’ The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered it to be given her, and sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.”

 What can this sad tale teach us? It reminds us of the love and respect that Jesus had for John and in this he was followed by the early Church as testified by the importance given to John’s life, teaching and martyrdom in all four Gospels, as elsewhere in the New Testament and in the subsequent life and teaching of the Church. It shows us the esteem that Herod himself had for John and the regret and shame he felt for having to act on that foolishly rash oath he had made to his stepdaughter in the presence of Herodias, his illicit and overpowering partner. John had warned him that it was against the Law for him to have this woman as his wife. All it took was a birthday party for everything to unravel and fall apart. It can be the same in our own lives. At times, a rash word or action can lead us into trouble and unforeseen chaos. Let us remember never to speak or act without first putting into God’s hands what it is we have in our hearts. May obedience to God’s will always be our guide, as it was in the life of the Baptist.