Often time growing up Dad would say something to the effect of, "boy, where is your head," or "if your head wasn't attached you would lose it," or "is your head screwed on right." Usually the comment was a result of a not so good judgment on my part.
But, nonetheless, I was glad my head was attached that way I always knew where it was.
Today we celebrate the beheading of John the Baptist. He lost his head.
On a silver platter it was carried forth to Herodias and her daughter.
What kind of mother would ask her daughter to share in her sinful ways? What kind of mother would justify her sinful act of adultery by involving her innocent child in such a despicable request?
John the Baptist lost his head because he kept his head screwed on right.
The true test of a martyr is to keep one's head even if it means you have to lose it.
To be a herald of Jesus sometimes can be costly. In this world of cost effectiveness and red tag sales, and cheaper by the dozen and bargain shopping, when it comes to Jesus, there is no sale price or cost cut that defines the truth.
What corners do you cut in your faith life? What bargains do you look for in following Jesus? The witness we give loses its luster when we cut corners on the gospel life of Jesus. John the baptist was a lamp shining brightly, Jesus said in the gospel. Are we?
Have you hid your light beneath the bed or put it under a bushel basket? Or do you let it burn brightly?
What gives light must endure burning!
St. Paul put it best, "you have been granted the privilege not only to believe in Christ but to suffer for him."
What a privilege, what a life, what a light! Instead of the saying, 'go ahead, make my day' now just 'Go lose your head', for the crown awaits those who give at any cost so that the costliest pearl might be made known.
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