So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands

15 DICEMBRE (Mt 17,10-13)

John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded by Herod. The death had been the result of his prophecy, of his proclamation of God’s will. That is how it is told.

King Herod heard about it, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias’s own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore (many things) to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. (Mk 6,14-29).
Will Jesus maybe have a better lot? He also must suffer the fate of the true prophets. Since he is the greatest of the prophets, He being God Himself come in the flesh, his fate will be infinitely more terrible, more cruel than that suffered by Giovanni and other prophets. The hatred of the whole world, of the Jews and the pagans, of believers and atheists, of the true and false religion; will rage against him. However, it is a hate with no cause, no reason; a hatred of sin, envy, jealousy, stupidity, ignorance, stupid diplomacy, inability to pass just judgments, lust, greed, fear and corruption. All the sin of the world, with all its virulence, grabs Christ, and nails him on the cross; but first, it submits him to every insult and mockery and torture.

As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” Then the disciples asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

The non-acceptance of Christ Jesus is already written in the mystery of his coming. His success is his obedience to God to the supreme gift of his life. The repudiation is transformed by Jesus in humiliation and obedience unto death on a cross. In this annihilation is his exaltation and the redemption of the world.

Son of man, stand up! I wish to speak with you. As he spoke to me, spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard the one who was speaking say to me: Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their fathers have revolted against me to this very day. Hard of face and obstinate of heart are they to whom I am sending you. But you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD! And whether they heed or resist – for they are a rebellious house – they shall know that a prophet has been among them. But as for you, son of man, fear neither them nor their words when they contradict you and reject you, and when you sit on scorpions. Neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house (Ez 2,1-6).

Virgin Mary, Mother of the Redemption, Angels and Saints make us obedient to the end.