Aug 29 – The Beheading of St. John the Baptist
To endure temporal agonies for the sake of the truth was not a heavy burden for such men as John; rather it was easily borne and even desirable, for he knew eternal joy would be his reward. Since death was ever at hand, such men considered it a blessing to embrace it and thus gain the reward of eternal life by acknowledging Christ’s name. Hence the apostle Paul rightly says: “You have been granted the privilege not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for his sake.” He tells us why it is Christ’s gift that His chosen ones should suffer for Him: “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us.”
– from a homily by Saint Bede the Venerable on the death of John the Baptist
1 Ths 2:1-8
Mk 6:17-29
…we are not trying to please men but God, who can read our inmost thoughts.
Who is John the Baptist? Well, he baptises people! He was probably the only prophet to do so. This act was rather unique. For Jews, circumcision was the sign of the covenant, not baptism. So why did John do it?
In 2018, whilst in Jerusalem, I visited Ein Karem (John’s purported birthplace). This is a beautiful village less than a sabbath’s day walk from the old city of Jerusalem. I learnt many traditions about John. He was likely orphaned at a young age, as his parents were already old when they conceived him. Thereafter, blibical evidence suggests he was looked after by the Essenes (of Dead Sea Scrolls fame). According to exhibitions in the Israel Museum, the Essenes lived in the desert, had strict dietary requirements, practiced ritual cleansing by FULL immersion and their priestly caste did not marry (they were celibate). Very Catholic in many ways. In contrast, the Pharisees and Sadducees married, did not do full immersion and worshipped in the Jerusalem temple.
The ‘Essense way of life’ is possibly why John lived in the desert and performed full immersion (for baptism) in the river Jordan. As he lived apart from the community, he ate locusts and wild honey in accordance with the strict Essense dietary rules. Pretty healthy, but tough!
During Jesus’ time, the Pharisees and most of the Jews were waiting for an earthly Messiah King. The Essenes were totally different. They believed that the coming Messiah was DIVINE. Therefore, John was baptizing and preaching about the Divine Saviour before he was imprisoned.
Did John the Baptist think he might die in prision? The Romans had a law that prevented Jews from putting a man to death (John 18). That’s why Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate during his Passion. Perhaps John thought he might be released. Nevertheless, I believe he was prepared and comforted as he faced his executioners. Earlier, he had sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “are you the one who was to come or should we look for another?” Jesus replied, “the blind are made to see, the lame walk…the dead are raised to life” (Matthew 11). John knew that only God could do this. His role to herald the divine Son of God was not in vain. Heaven and eternal life was his reward.
For me, I will be fearful if I know my death is near. In 2019, I became acquainted with the Canossa sisters in St Joseph’s Hospice & Home, as my daughter was working there. I dropped by for lunch a few times and had a chance to meet the residents. The hospice ward was behind the lunch tables. Residents who were well enough were brought out to that area to eat and sit around the beautiful garden. I remember there were two residents who, though well enough, never left the room. The sisters told me they were angry with dying. I sort of understood and felt sad.
I hope I will not be angry or depressed when my life journey inevitably draws to an end. I hope to be comforted. Fortunately, my Catholic faith, wife and community (choir, BAT etc) have helped me prepare a little each day…
(Today’s OXYGEN by Andrew Sia)
Prayer : Lord, touch our lives each day and help us pray and read your word daily.
Thanksgiving : Thanks be to God, for giving us the chance of eternal life with you.
OXYGEN 
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