The End Which Reveals the New (The Beheading of St. John the Baptist)

by Archpriest Gregory Scratch

The celebration of the solemn commemoration of the beheading of St. John the Baptist (Aug. 29th) is in indeed providential, as we are coming to the end of one cycle of life - summer holidays- and prepare for a new cycle of life (school, work, harvest, etc). It is in this ending of sorts that we are given the opportunity to reflect upon what the holy Prophet's ending in martyrdom reveals - humility - the foundation for that which is "new", or to put it another way, that which "renews".

It was the humility of John which provided a perspective  in which he could see something greater than a rival teacher or prophet - that is Jesus, "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (Jn. 1:29). 

It was the humility of John that witnessed something greater than his baptism of water - that is, the baptism of the "Holy Spirit and fire" (Lk. 3:16). 

It was the humility of John which allowed his trembling hands to baptise the Lord and fulfil not his righteousness, but rather "all righteousness" (Mt. 3:15). 

It was the humility of John that did not waver in the face of the executioner's axe, even as he preached that the "axe is laid to the root of the trees" (Mt. 3:10) to all of Israel - to Herod and his court. 

It was the humility of John that even in death, submitted to being as the "least in the Kingdom of God"; yet proclaimed by the Lord as being the greatest born of women (Mt. 3:11).

As we end this summer and season of holidays, and prepare for the new season; school, work, harvest, and all, let us be inspired by John the Baptist's humility, that even in death reveals that which is greater and new. For it is in the work of humbling ourselves to the "other" - dying to our own expectations, and assumptions, seeking to serve and intercede, being truthful even at our own expense -  that we, like John, can bear witness to the Love of God for us; as being that which is beyond imagination, logic, power and ultimately death.  

Truly a somber confirmation of the humility we strive for, and yet a joyful confirmation of what we seek - a new creation. For "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Cor. 5:17) and "he who does the will of God abides forever" (1 Jn. 2:17). 

By the prayers and intercession of the holy Prophet and forerunner John, may the ending of this season reveal the new life that we have in our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus Christ!