The death of John the Baptist, a familiar story, finds itself as our gospel reading to day. (Mk 6: 14-29). It is a senseless murder based on hatred, jealousy and fear, not unlike the martyrdoms over the centuries. John is referred to as the "Proto-Martyr", the first, the pattern-setter for all the subsequent martyrs, at some points in history reaching from 8,000 to 100,000 per year, startling figures for sure. We read yesterday of St. Paul Miki and his companions; God know what's going on today. Yet, as Tertullian, one of the ancient Fathers said, "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church." Their faith, their blood nourishes the faith of countless others in all parts of the world. Who knows what martyrs are having an effect on the Central Catholic students making an Encounter that the Brookwoods Retreat Center in Alton, New Hampshire, or the men making a Cursillo at St. Basil's in Methuen, Massachusetts this weekend? God's love love works miracles, hard hearts soften, lives change, God triumphs. It is humbling to be part of God's mysterious and effective ways. John is beheaded, Jesus is crucified, yet New Life spreads world-wide. It has for 2,000 years and will not stop.
Bro. Rene .
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