John the Baptist, Unwavering Morality- Aug 29 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Aug 29, 2023, on how John the Baptist's martyrdom by Herod Antipas underscores how we should have an unwavering stand against moral compromises, exemplified by historical figures and theological debates.

John the Baptist was beheaded for preaching the sanctity of marriage, which Herod, in his adulterous relationship, rejected.

Theological debates often question whether God permits or desires us to commit intrinsically evil actions like murder, idolatry, or adultery for a greater good. This is a non-question. St. John Paul II clarifies that negative moral precepts do not allow for exceptions. Once an action is recognized as evil, the only morally good act is to obey the moral law.

Real-life situations can be complex, but doing evil never helps. For example, should a woman in a difficult marital situation commit adultery to avoid poverty or abandonment? The answer remains no. Another historical example involves Maria Walewska, who became Napoleon's concubine to help Poland. Despite the perceived benefits, it was still a grievous sin.

St. John the Baptist and other martyrs remind us that we must not compromise on moral principles. They echo the words of the Prophet: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to those who call evil good and good evil - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/5?20).

In conclusion, God never permits us to do evil for a greater good. Non-questions remain non-questions.

00:00 - Introduction
00:11 - Herod Antipas and John the Baptist
01:11 - Theological "Non-Question" Posed as Real
02:22 - No Exceptions for Intrinsic Evil
05:06 - Theologians' Complex Examples
08:18 - Maria Walewska's Story
11:46 - Martyrdom as Witness to Truth
12:51 - Woe to Those Who Call Evil Good
13:10 - Non-Questions Remain Non-Questions

Ave Maria!

Mass: The Beheading of St. John the Baptist - Mem - http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08486b.htm
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/082923.cfm
1st: jer 1:17-19
Resp: psa 71:1-6, 15, 16
Gsp: mar 6:17-29

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1147

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