Each of us likes news that informs in detail about some event. Therefore, perhaps someone can blame the evangelists for not providing any details in the case of the actual execution of Saint John the Baptist. But this reproach is misplaced, for they could not record it, being absent. Nevertheless, the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist is a source of instruction for us that is worthy of following.
With Holy Baptism we became God’s children. If we follow the doctrine that our Savior brought us, we will meet the opposition of the world in which sin reigns. Jesus Christ says: “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (Jn 15, 20). Sin is afraid of the truth, because it exposes it, tears off its mask. For a sinner who finds himself in the vicinity of a pious Christian, there are only two options: either he acknowledges his sin and repents, or he hardens his heart and begins to persecute this witness of the truth. You will surely agree with me that we often experience the second alternative. How should we behave in such moments? First of all, we must be sure that we are innocent. Because we often consider as wrong even what we have earned by our actions or by using the wrong words. If the offense was caused by our sin, let us accept the painful consequences as repentance. But if we are innocent, let’s not resist! Let us be guided by the words of Jesus Christ: “Love “Love your enemies, do good, lend, and expect nothing in return! Your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is good to the ungrateful and the wicked” (Lk 6:35). Such an attitude towards wrongdoing testifies to the truth and promotes personal growth. In the biography of St. John Vianney, the parish priest of Ars, there is a story about an unmarried woman who gave birth to a child, with the father’s identity unknown. Living near the vicarage, she became the subject of malicious rumors that the parish priest was the father. John Vianney, knowing the truth, chose not to defend himself against this unjust slander, trusting fully in God’s justice. The rumors persisted for years. However, during a mission in Ars, the true father finally confessed to the priest, admitting his long-held shame over the impact on the priest’s honor. Afterward, he publicly acknowledged the truth, putting an end to the false accusations against Saint John Vianney. Through this ordeal, the priest achieved greater perfection and earned many merits in heaven.
