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The Cost of Speaking Truth to Power
Where We Are
On this Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, we observe the Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, martyrs of Japan. In Mark's Gospel, yesterday the Twelve went out on mission. Now the narrative takes a dramatic and somber turn as we hear the story of John the Baptist's martyrdom at the hands of Herod Antipas. The first reading celebrates David's heroic legacy from the Book of Sirach, while today's Gospel shows the cost of prophetic courage.
The Word
Sirach recounts David's greatness: his victory over Goliath, his military triumphs, and above all his devotion to God through psalms and praise. David is presented as a king who put God first. The psalm echoes this praise for God's saving power. In stark contrast, the Gospel tells how Herod Antipas, a ruler who put pleasure and pride first, imprisoned John the Baptist for condemning his unlawful marriage to Herodias. Though Herod respected John and even enjoyed listening to him, when Herodias's daughter danced at his birthday banquet and he rashly promised her anything, the girl, coached by her mother, asked for John's head on a platter. Trapped by his oath and his pride before dinner guests, Herod had John executed.
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Reflect
John the Baptist's death is one of the most disturbing episodes in the Gospels. Here is the forerunner of the Messiah, the greatest prophet born of woman according to Jesus himself, killed not in a battle of ideas but as a casualty of personal grudges and dinner-party politics. Herodias nursed her resentment. A young girl danced. A weak ruler kept a rash promise. And truth lost its voice.
Or did it? Mark places this story strategically, between the sending of the Twelve and their return from mission. The message is clear: following Christ and proclaiming truth will sometimes cost everything. The apostles needed to understand this before they continued.
Saint Paul Miki, whom we remember today, understood this cost intimately. In 1597, he and twenty-five companions were crucified on a hill in Nagasaki for refusing to abandon their Christian faith. From the cross, Paul Miki preached his final sermon, forgiving his executioners and proclaiming Christ.
Herod's tragedy was not that he disagreed with John; he actually recognized John's holiness. His tragedy was cowardice. He let social pressure and personal pride override what he knew was right. We rarely face martyrdom, but we regularly face the choice between speaking truth and staying comfortable. Every time we stay silent when we should speak, or go along with what we know is wrong, we echo Herod's weakness.
Living It
Today, examine where cowardice may be holding you back from living truthfully. First, is there a situation in your life where you know what is right but have been avoiding it to keep the peace or protect your reputation? Bring it honestly before God and ask for courage. Second, honor the memory of the martyrs by learning about one of them today, whether John the Baptist, Paul Miki, or another witness who paid the ultimate price. Their courage can strengthen yours. Third, practice small acts of truthful speech: give honest feedback, gently correct an injustice, or refuse to participate in gossip.
Prayer
Lord, you gave John the Baptist the courage to speak truth even when it cost him his life, and you strengthened Paul Miki to proclaim your name from the cross. Forgive us for the times we have chosen comfort over conviction. Give us hearts that love truth more than approval and voices that speak for justice even when the world pushes back. May we honor the witness of your martyrs by living boldly for you. Amen.
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