An Unjust Death

Gospel: Mark 6: 17-29

The death of John the Baptist and the death of Jesus have many similarities.  The imperial powers who undertake these executions do so for light and transient causes - a mere whim, to satisfy crowds.  But the underlying issue in both is why the death penalty has existed: to serve as a tool of death for political opponents of the regime, to silence the truth.  It has always primarily served this purpose, one that is utter folly - as if the death of the one who speaks truth will kill truth itself.  

John and Jesus both suffer the death of a martyr, a death many Christians will experience in history.  To be a martyr is ultimately to suffer an injustice rather than commit an injustice.  That so many Christians would be willing to have an unjust death penalty system - to commit injustice against others historically and in our own time - is an affront to the memory of the martyrs.  It is one thing for the Christian to suffer an injustice; it is entirely another when we commit injustice.  

Today's feast day is a day to reflect on our own commitment to truth, our willingness to endure injustice.  At the same time it is a time to reflect on the injustices we have committed and allowed, to turn away from our practice and commitment to these injustices.